KBRN, Jakarta: The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that ten Indonesian nationals will soon be deported from the United States. The ministry has voiced concerns over immigration case handling, citing issues related to due process and visa revocations.

Indonesian officials have assured that they are actively assisting affected citizens to safeguard their rights throughout the deportation process. Additionally, the ministry is engaging in diplomatic discussions to address broader immigration challenges faced by Indonesians in the US.

The Foreign Affairs Ministry Director of Indonesian Citizens Protection, Judha Nugraha, stated that 30 Indonesian citizens are currently in US immigration detention. Of them, 10 people have already received documents for their imminent deportation to Indonesia.

Judha explained that the Foreign Affairs Ministry, the Indonesian Embassy in Washington, D.C., and the Indonesian Consulate General actively monitor and assist these citizens. However, he noted that not all Indonesian citizens facing immigration issues in the US request assistance from the state.

He also noted that six of the 30 individuals are students. "Some had overstayed their visas due to immigration issues, while others had participated in the Black Lives Matter protests," Judha said during a discussion with RRI Pro 3 on Saturday, May 10, 2025, as reported by rri.co.id.

Previously, it was reported that Aditya Wahyu Harsono (AWH) was arrested by U.S. immigration authorities on March 27. He is strongly suspected of being detained due to his involvement in the Black Lives Matter protests four years ago.

Meanwhile, antaranews.com reported that the U.S. government deported 54 Indonesian nationals on April 10, 2025, due to immigration violations. These individuals had been detained in various states before being sent back to Indonesia.

Judha stated that over the past six years, 210 Indonesian citizens have been deported by U.S. immigration authorities. He further revealed that, as of November 24, 2024, 4,276 Indonesians were listed in the Final Order of Removal list of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office, making them subject to potential deportation from the United States.

"There are various reasons why many Indonesian citizens are on the ICE list. Some entered as tourists, some as students, but then did not manage their documents. However, the average motive is economic or for work."

Judha noted that, on average, individuals are hesitant to proceed with further immigration documentation, such as work permits, due to the complexity of the process. As a result, he explained, many opt for shortcuts by remaining as undocumented immigrants, often unaware of the risks and consequences they may encounter.

"However, Indonesian nationals who are listed as undocumented and included in the list are neither arrested nor detained. They are only placed in the Final Order of Removal list," he said.

Judha stated that the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the country's representatives in the U.S. consistently remind all Indonesian nationals to carry their identification cards at all times. Additionally, he emphasized that they encourage Indonesian citizens to understand their rights, which are protected under U.S. law and the Constitution.

A Final Order of Removal is a legal directive issued by a U.S. immigration judge that mandates the deportation of a non-citizen from the United States. This order becomes final under several conditions.

Once an individual is subject to a Final Order of Removal, they are at risk of deportation unless they seek legal remedies such as reopening their case or applying for relief.

The U.S. government has intensified its immigration enforcement, leading to a rise in deportation cases, including those involving Indonesian nationals. The Indonesian government has been actively preparing for these deportations, holding coordination meetings to strategize protection measures for affected citizens.

The situation remains fluid, with diplomatic efforts ongoing to address broader immigration challenges faced by Indonesians in the U.S. The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs continues to monitor developments and provide assistance to those impacted. ***