Indonesia Immigration Expands Tech-Driven Services, Tightens Border Oversight

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian Directorate General of Immigration is stepping up its transformation into a technology‑driven public service institution, marking two years under President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka.

The agency is pairing faster, more transparent services with stronger border surveillance and immigration policy reforms designed to support national development.

“Immigration must serve as a strategic state instrument, carrying out its duties fully oriented toward the interests of the people and the nation,” said Director General of Immigration Hendarsam Marantoko in Jakarta on Friday, October 2, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

He emphasized that the reforms align with the Astacita vision of President Prabowo and Vice President Gibran, particularly in strengthening legal and bureaucratic reform, improving public services, and fostering an economic climate conducive to growth.

As the nation’s gatekeeper, Immigration is tasked with safeguarding national security against ideological, cultural, and other forms of foreign infiltration that run counter to Pancasila and the Constitution. “This ensures the nation’s identity and dignity remain protected and continue to grow,” Hendarsam stressed.

Service upgrades are being rolled out through advanced technology. A total of 298 autogate units are now operating across land, sea, and air immigration checkpoints. These include 10 new units at Ahmad Yani Airport in Semarang, inaugurated in September 2026, alongside 78 units at Soekarno‑Hatta Airport, 90 at Ngurah Rai Airport in Bali, and 28 at Juanda Airport in Surabaya.

Immigration has also partnered with the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) to develop “Digital Fence,” a drone‑based system designed to monitor remote border areas on land and sea.

On the enforcement side, deportations of foreign nationals between January 1 and October 2, 2026, reached 3,897 cases nationwide, while 89 foreigners faced investigation for immigration crimes.

Hendarsam underlined that immigration policies are continually evaluated to balance strict oversight with openness to foreigners who contribute positively to Indonesia. “Foreign nationals who are sincere and make real contributions to the nation must be protected, facilitated, and treated as partners to support investment and national interests,” he said. ***