Antara News·Indonesia·Thursday, October 15, 2026 at 04:24 AM UTC

Indonesia expands digital immigration monitoring

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Laily R, Rahmad Nasution

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia's immigration agency is expanding digital monitoring of foreign nationals and refugees through three applications, after recording 17,597 administrative immigration actions from January through September.

Strengthening digital immigration monitoring was among the topics discussed at the Immigration Supervision and Enforcement Coordination Meeting in Bandung on October 13-16, 2026.

According to Director General of Immigration Hendarsam Marantoko, the technology aims to improve data accuracy, strengthen early detection, and speed up monitoring of foreign nationals and handling of refugees from abroad.

“Digitizing immigration monitoring ensures that our data are accurate, up to date, and actionable,” Hendarsam said here Wednesday.

The Foreigners Reporting Application (APOA) allows accommodation operators to report foreign nationals, while Subject of Interest (SOI) helps identify individuals requiring special attention, he said.

SOI is integrated with the Immigration Management Information System (SIMKIM). Its data can automatically appear in immigration services, including checks at immigration checkpoints, he added.

Both systems support monitoring of foreign nationals suspected of violating immigration rules or listed as wanted persons, including international fugitives.

Meanwhile, the Immigration Law Enforcement Application for Refugees (APGAKUM Pengungsi) was developed to strengthen refugee registration and reporting through identity records, document checks, photographs, and location tracking using geotagging.

Hendarsam said the system enables immigration officials to verify records independently while using preliminary information from the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

The APGAKUM Pengungsi application was previously tested in the operational area covered by the Semarang Immigration Detention Center. It is now being rolled out nationwide.

Hendarsam stressed that data quality and staff readiness are essential to effective technology-based monitoring.

“With technology support and staff integrity, monitoring can be more targeted,” he said.

The Directorate General of Immigration recorded 17,597 administrative immigration actions against foreign nationals from January through September 2026.

These comprised 5,310 stay-permit cancellations, 5,310 deportations, 3,950 proposed entry bans, 3,022 detentions, and five orders barring individuals from specific locations.

During the same period, the directorate issued 30 notifications of the commencement of investigations (SPDPs), covering 89 suspects in immigration-related crimes.

Of those suspects, 62 remained under investigation, 20 had reached the P21 stage or proceeded to trial, and seven had received final, legally binding verdicts.

By nationality, the largest groups of suspects were Malaysian (34), Chinese (20), Pakistani (10), Bangladeshi (nine), and Filipino (five).

Hendarsam emphasized that stronger digital monitoring must go hand in hand with officers' professionalism and integrity.

Through APOA, SOI, and APGAKUM Pengungsi, immigration officials aim to strengthen oversight that is data-driven, integrated, and accountable.

“These efforts also reinforce officers' integrity and professionalism, making monitoring and enforcement more effective in maintaining security and public order in Indonesia,” Hendarsam said.

He added that the initiatives reflect Immigration's commitment to serving the public through firm yet humane enforcement.

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