Dozens of Chinese nationals have reportedly fallen victim to extortion and illegal fees imposed by immigration officers upon their arrival in Indonesia through Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Cengkareng, Tangerang, Banten.
In response, the Chinese Embassy sent an official letter to the Directorate General of Protocol and Consular Affairs at Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Dated January 21, 2025, the letter stated that several Chinese citizens had been extorted by immigration officers at Soekarno-Hatta Airport.
According to the letter, the extortion cases occurred between February 2024 and January 2025. With the assistance of the Consular Department of the Ministry, the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China maintained close contact and coordination with Soekarno-Hatta International Airport’s Immigration Office. As a result, at least 44 extortion cases were resolved, and a total of USD 1,992 was refunded to over 60 Chinese nationals.
The Chinese Embassy suspects that the reported cases are only a fraction of the actual incidents, as many victims likely chose not to report the extortion.
“This is just the tip of the iceberg, as many more Chinese nationals have been extorted but did not file complaints due to tight schedules or fear of retaliation upon future entry,” the letter stated, as quoted by CNN Indonesia.
Chinese Embassy Calls for Preventive Measures
In light of these incidents, the Chinese Embassy urged the Indonesian government to install signage in Mandarin, Indonesian, and English at immigration checkpoints stating “No Tipping Allowed” and “Report Extortion.”
Additionally, they suggested that travel agencies in China be instructed to discourage tourists from offering bribes to immigration officers.
Temporary Dismissal of Soekarno-Hatta Immigration Officials
Indonesia’s Immigration and Correctional Ministry acknowledged the reports of illegal fees imposed on Chinese nationals at Soekarno-Hatta Airport and is currently investigating those involved.
Minister of Immigration and Correctional Affairs, Agus Andrianto confirmed the temporary dismissal of all officials at the Soekarno-Hatta Class I Special Immigration Office following the receipt of data related to the alleged extortion.
“I have recalled all personnel and initiated an internal investigation. We appreciate the information provided. Everyone listed in the data has been withdrawn from duty at Soekarno-Hatta and replaced immediately,” Agus said, as reported by Tempo on Saturday, February 1, 2025.
Agus emphasized that the ministry has zero tolerance for violations and assured that any officials found guilty would face appropriate disciplinary action.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Engages in Intensive Communication with Chinese Embassy
Meanwhile, the spokesperson for Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Roy Soemirat, stated that his department continues to coordinate with relevant ministries and government institutions.
He added that the Directorate of Consular Affairs at Kemenlu is actively facilitating communication between Indonesian institutions and the Chinese Embassy.
“Regarding the measures taken or planned by the relevant government agencies, it is best to directly consult with those agencies, as there are still many steps being taken to clarify the issues currently being discussed by the public,” Roy said on Saturday, February 1, 2025, as reported by Kompas.
The Directorate of Consular Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs remains committed to ensuring effective communication between Indonesia and the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, Roy concluded.
Source: Kompas.com, cnnindonesia.com, tempo.co
Photo Credit: via FB page of Soetta Int’l Airport
