November 26, 2025 | 02:27 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Class I Special Immigration Office Non-TPI Tangerang has detained 10 foreign nationals from Pakistan and Iraq for suspected fictitious or bogus investments.
Eight Pakistani nationals and two Iraqi nationals entered Indonesia legally between 2023 and 2025 using investor visas. "But the investment activities of these ten foreign nationals are not genuine, or are fictitious investments," said Felucia Sengky Ratna, Head of the Banten Regional Office of the Directorate General of Immigration, at the Tangerang Immigration Office on Wednesday, November 26, 2025.
The ten foreign nationals, aged between 30 and 35, were arrested in an apartment in the Pinang Kota area of Tangerang on November 19, 2025. They had been residing in the apartment since 2023, with five individuals occupying each of the two rooms. The monthly rent for each room was Rp2.5 million.
According to Sengky, these ten foreign nationals entered Indonesia with guarantees from several companies. However, after verification, the guaranteeing companies were found to have no business activities.
An on-site inspection also revealed irregularities with various guaranteeing companies. Some were located in empty buildings or virtual offices with expired leases. They had no office space or operational activities, and the management of these businesses was unknown.
These ten foreign nationals claimed not to know about the investments or companies in which they invested while in Indonesia. "This situation strongly indicates that the investment stay permit was only used as a shield to enter and stay in Indonesia without a legitimate purpose in accordance with the provisions," said Sengky.
The ten foreign nationals are currently detained at the Class I Special Immigration Office Non-TPI Tangerang for further examination. They are suspected of violating Article 123 letter a of the Immigration Law, namely anyone who deliberately provides false documents or data, or falsified or untrue information, with the intention of obtaining a visa or residence permit for themselves or others. "With a maximum prison sentence of 5 years and a maximum fine of Rp500 million," said Sengky.
Editor's Choice: Minister Agus Says Global Citizenship of Indonesia Offers Solution to Dual Citizenship
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Minister Agus Says Global Citizenship of Indonesia Offers Solution to Dual Citizenship
2 jam lalu
Immigration and Corrections Minister Agus Andrianto claims this new policy could be a middle ground solution to the issue of dual citizenship.
Thailand Tightens Visa Screening to Curb Abuse by Foreign Tourists
5 hari lalu
Thai immigration authorities have intensified visa screening for tourists after numerous instances of foreigners abusing visa policies.
Immigration Declares 'No Safe Haven' in Indonesia for International Criminals Following Major Arrests
7 hari lalu
Immigration has detained a high-profile fugitive from China and deported 27 foreign nationals suspected of operating a cybercrime syndicate.
Immigration to Deport 27 Chinese Nationals Involved in Scam
7 hari lalu
According to Immigration authorities, the perpetrators utilized a sophisticated setup, installing a backdrop resembling a Chinese police office.
5 Nigerian Nationals Arrested in Indonesia for Illegal Trading, Visa Overstay
12 hari lalu
Five Nigerian citizens are suspected of illegal commerce activities in Tanah Abang, Jakarta, and overstaying in Indonesia.
Republicans Seek to Expel Zohran Mamdani from New York City
15 hari lalu
Republicans are trying to prevent Zohran Mamdani from being inaugurated as New York City mayor.
Soekarno-Hatta Airport Introduces Corridor Gate for Two-Second Immigration Clearance
27 hari lalu
The corridor gate has been installed at Terminal 2F and Terminal 3 of Soekarno-Hatta Airport to streamline passenger services.
Indonesia Welcomes 27 Cruise Ships in Labuan Bajo This Year
30 hari lalu
A total of 23,424 tourists on cruise ships have visited Labuan Bajo since the beginning of 2025 until September.
The Artificial Political Divide: How France's Immigration Debate Masks Social Reality
30 hari lalu
France's politics of Left vs Right features a dramatic immigration battle.
India Could Turn H1-B Visa Restrictions to Its Advantage
37 hari lalu
The tightening of H-1B visa programme for Indians through fees & potential policy changes challenges the established model of global talent exchange
