Indonesia Deports 92 Chinese Nationals Over Online Gambling and Fraud Syndicate

RRI.CO.ID, Tangerang - The Indonesian Directorate General of Immigration has deported 92 Chinese nationals and imposed lifetime entry bans after uncovering their involvement in online gambling and investment fraud operations in Batam.

The group was flown out on China Southern Airlines flight CZ2988 bound for Guangzhou in the early hours of Sunday, July 5, 2026, via Soekarno-Hatta International Airport.

The mass deportation was carried out at the formal request of China’s Ministry of Public Security, with Beijing dispatching a special escort team and covering all accommodation and operational costs.

Head of Soekarno-Hatta Immigration Office, Galih Priya Kartika Perdhana, said contingency measures were applied to ensure order. Immigration checks included biometric verification and separate processing before the group was escorted directly to the aircraft.

“This was to guarantee the smooth return of all 92 individuals without disrupting regular passengers,” Galih explained.

Immigration Director General Hendarsam Marantoko stressed that Indonesia will not tolerate transnational crime. “Lifetime deportation and blacklisting are intended to serve as a deterrent,” he said, adding that the move should discourage other foreign offenders from attempting similar activities.

He emphasized that immigration enforcement will remain firm, impartial, and professional, while still upholding humanitarian principles. “We will not allow foreign nationals to disrupt Indonesia, but our actions will continue to reflect the spirit of Immigration for the People,” Hendarsam concluded. (Diffa Sephiawardhani)