RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The number of Umrah pilgrims departing from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (SHIA) is expected to surge ahead of Ramadan. In response, airport immigration authorities have tightened supervision to prevent human trafficking disguised as Umrah travel.

Galih Priya Kartika Perdhana, Head of the Soekarno-Hatta Immigration Office, said the office prevented the departure of 1,900 individuals suspected of being trafficking victims last year. He added that authorities have recently handled numerous repatriations from Cambodia and Myanmar.

“We are strengthening coordination with relevant stakeholders so that we receive ‘Subject of Interest’ submissions,” Galih said after signing a cooperation agreement on Free Medical Check-ups at the Soekarno-Hatta Class I Special Immigration Office on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.

He said immigration has taken anticipatory measures to prevent trafficking under the guise of Umrah travel. Individuals who are affiliated, previously involved, or suspected of having links to trafficking networks are placed on a “Subject of Interest” list.

“When they attempt to depart, an alert will appear in the system, whether through autogates or manual inspection. From there, we can take preventive action,” Galih said.

In addition to behavioral monitoring, immigration authorities coordinate with the Soekarno-Hatta Airport Police and the Banten Office of the Indonesian Migrant Workers Protection Agency (BP3MI).

Galih said the office is also preparing to launch a Migrant Worker (PMI) Lounge at Terminal 3 in collaboration with BP3MI to intensify efforts to curb trafficking.

On the same occasion, the immigration office signed a cooperation agreement with the Jurumudi Baru Community Health Center to expand the Free Medical Check-up (CKG) program.

“Free medical check-ups are part of the Minister of Immigration and Corrections’ 15 priority action programs and align with the President’s Astacita agenda,” Galih said.

Following the signing, 150 people underwent medical examinations, including 100 immigration officers and 50 local residents.​ (Gusti Panji/Lasti Martina)​