ASIATODAY.ID, BATAM — Indonesian lawmakers have raised concerns over human trafficking, undocumented migrant workers, visa abuse and alleged extortion targeting foreign nationals in Batam, a key international gateway located between Singapore and Malaysia.
The concerns emerged during a parliamentary visit by members of Commission XIII of Indonesia’s House of Representatives to the Batam Immigration Office, where lawmakers reviewed immigration services and oversight at one of the country’s busiest border transit hubs.
Lawmaker Rieke Diah Pitaloka said authorities continue to face significant challenges in tackling human trafficking, irregular migrant worker movements and the misuse of residence permits by foreign nationals.
“We still found several concerns, including a high incidence of human trafficking, non-procedural migrant workers and the misuse of stay permits by foreign nationals,” Rieke said during the visit on June 24, 2026.
She also highlighted an alleged extortion case involving foreign visitors at Batam Center International Ferry Terminal, a major entry point for travelers arriving from neighboring Singapore and Malaysia.
According to Rieke, some foreign nationals with incomplete travel documents were reportedly referred for additional inspection before being approached by third parties claiming to be agents who offered assistance in dealing with immigration officials.
“The case has undermined public trust in immigration services,” she said.
Batam occupies a strategic position along one of Southeast Asia’s busiest cross-border travel corridors, serving as a major transit point between Indonesia, Singapore and Malaysia. The city handles millions of international passenger movements annually and plays a critical role in efforts to combat human trafficking and irregular migration.
Guntur Sahat Hamonangan, head of the Riau Islands Regional Office of the Directorate General of Immigration, said authorities are continuing efforts to improve public services while strengthening immigration oversight.
“The visit by Commission XIII provides an important opportunity to strengthen cooperation between lawmakers and the Directorate General of Immigration,” Guntur said.
He added that support and recommendations from parliament are expected to help improve immigration services and reinforce border controls in the Riau Islands, particularly in Batam, where international mobility remains among the highest in Indonesia.
The findings underscore the challenges facing Indonesian authorities as they seek to strengthen border governance, safeguard migrant workers and maintain confidence in immigration services at one of the country’s most strategically important international gateways. (AT Network)
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