RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - In a gesture tied to the upcoming 81st Independence Day celebrations, the Indonesian Consulate General (KJRI) in Johor Bahru facilitated the return of 90 Indonesian citizens and migrant workers from Malaysia to Indonesia on Wednesday, July 15, 2026.

The repatriation was carried out via Stulang Laut Port, Johor Bahru, to Batam Centre Port, Riau Islands, with the majority of returnees--81 individuals--deported from the Pekan Nenas Immigration Detention Depot.

They included 53 men, 26 women, and two boys. To ease their journey, KJRI covered the ferry tickets and seaport taxes, framing the assistance as both humanitarian support and a symbolic “gift of independence.”

Among those repatriated were two Indonesian fishing boat captains, previously convicted under Malaysia’s Fisheries Act 1985 for boundary violations near Pulau Aur. Each was fined MYR 10,000 (USD 2,453), with their vessels confiscated by Malaysian authorities.

Throughout the legal process, they received representation from KJRI’s retainer lawyer and expedited assistance for their return.

The consulate also arranged the return of four female migrant workers who had failed to secure employment and were housed at KJRI’s temporary shelter, along with three Indonesian children reunited with their families after immigration clearance.

Ambassador Raden Dato’ Mohammad Iman Hascarya Kusumo urged Indonesians seeking work in Malaysia to follow proper placement procedures and avoid irregular channels.

He also encouraged undocumented workers to use Malaysia’s official Migrant Repatriation Program rather than relying on brokers. “May you arrive safely and reunite with your families,” he said during the send‑off ceremony, as quoted by Antara.

Consul General Sigit S. Widiyanto said that between July and mid‑August 2026, KJRI Johor Bahru will continue covering ferry and tax costs for vulnerable deportees as part of Independence Day commemorations. He reported that 3,115 Indonesians had already been repatriated by mid‑July.

The consulate reaffirmed its commitment to providing protection and services for Indonesians in Johor Bahru, urging those in need to contact its KSATRIA Hotline at +60105288040. ***