RRI.CO.ID, Kuching - The Sarawak Department of Immigration (JIM) in Malaysia, deported 425 Indonesian Migrant Workers (PMI) between January 29 and 30, 2026. This large-scale land repatriation was closely monitored and assisted by the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia (KJRI) in Kuching, Malaysia.

Consular assistance was provided across two separate immigration facilities, starting with the Semuja Immigration Detention Depot (DTI) in Serian, which held 99 Indonesian nationals. Additionally, 326 individuals were processed at the Bekenu Immigration Detention Depot (DTI) in Miri.

Highlighting the humanitarian dimension of the coordinated effort, the group from Bekenu included a week-old infant.

The deportees consisted of 344 men and 81 women. Regarding documentation, 95 individuals possessed valid passports, while the remaining 349 were issued Travel Documents in Lieu of a Passport (SPLP). Their immigration offenses varied, 349 entered Malaysia without legal permits, 89 overstayed their visas, and six were involved in online gambling cases.

Despite the complexities, the repatriation process was conducted in an orderly and secure manner, credited to the seamless coordination between the KJRI and both Malaysian and Indonesian immigration authorities. The Indonesian Consul General in Kuching, Abdullah Zulkifli, emphasized the importance of a humanitarian approach in every deportation proceeding.

"KJRI Kuching is committed to ensuring the smooth repatriation of our citizens so they can return home safely, in a well-coordinated, and dignified manner. We understand their circumstances, especially with a newborn among the returnees, and as such, our assistance is provided with full care and attention," remarked Abdullah Zulkifli on Friday, 30 January, 2026.

The Consulate General urged the deported workers to refrain from repeating these legal violations in the future. He specifically cautioned against entering Sarawak through illegal channels or becoming involved in criminal activities.

"We hope this experience serves as a vital lesson. Do not resort to illegal entry or criminal acts in the future. Compliance with the law is the ultimate key to the protection of Indonesian citizens abroad," he added. (Annaila Azzahra/Bambang MBKA)