Indonesian Consulate Repatriates 232 Citizens, Migrant Workers from Malaysia

RRI.CO.ID, Batam - The Indonesian Consulate General in Johor Bahru (KJRI Johor Bahru) facilitated the repatriation of 232 Indonesian nationals and migrant workers from Malaysia via Batam Port, Riau Islands.

Head of the Integrated Protection Task Force (Satgas PPT) at KJRI Johor Bahru, Jati H. Winarto, said the consulate provided special assistance to ensure the process was safe and dignified.

“KJRI Johor Bahru always strives to accompany every repatriation process. This is part of our commitment to service grounded in humanitarian principles,” he stated in an official release on Friday, May 8, 2026.

The group included 176 men, 54 women, one toddler, and one infant, with most originating from North Sumatra, Aceh, West Nusa Tenggara, East Java, and Riau.

Prior to repatriation, they had been detained at several Immigration Detention Depots (DTI): Pekan Nenas Johor (100 people), Machap Umboo Melaka (37), Tanah Merah Kelantan (32), Bukit Jalil (32), Beranang (30), and one child temporarily housed at KJRI Johor Bahru.

The repatriation was carried out in two stages: on May 7, 82 individuals departed from Stulang Laut Port, Johor; on May 8, another 150 departed from Pasir Gudang Port, Johor, bound for Batam Center Port.

Among them were six elderly persons and two children, including a three-month-old infant repatriated with his mother after being cared for by Malaysia’s Social Welfare Department and KJRI Johor Bahru during her detention.

Additionally, a one-year-four-month-old child born in Malaysia was repatriated with his mother after she completed her detention period.

Of the 232 returnees, 182 traveled using Temporary Travel Documents (SPLP) as they lacked valid passports.

KJRI Johor Bahru continues to expedite the issuance of travel documents despite ongoing challenges and has urged Indonesians, especially prospective migrant workers, to follow official procedures when working abroad to avoid legal issues and deportation.

As of May 2026, the consulate has facilitated the repatriation of 2,212 Indonesians and migrant workers, supported by cooperation with Malaysia’s Immigration Department, Indonesia’s Migrant Worker Protection Agency, the Directorate General of Immigration, Customs, and the Indonesian National Police.

“Collaboration among stakeholders is the foundation of every safe, orderly, and dignified repatriation. KJRI Johor Bahru will remain at the forefront of protecting Indonesians striving to improve their livelihoods far from home,” Jati emphasized. (Diffa Sephiawardhani/EY)