Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Japanese authorities have arrested 11 Indonesian nationals (WNI) in connection with the murder of a fellow Indonesian in Isesaki, Gunma, Japan, on November 3, 2024. The Isesaki Police Department is currently handling the legal proceedings.
The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemlu) confirmed confirmed the arrest and currently providing legal assistance to the detainees.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo have been addressing this case since the incident on November 3, 2024,” said Judha Nugraha, Director of the Protection of Indonesian Citizens at Kemlu RI, in a written statement on Thursday, January 16, 2025,as reported by Teropong Media..
Details of the Incident
Judha disclosed that the murder stemmed from a stabbing that resulted in the death of an Indonesian identified as “A.” The victim received medical treatment at a local hospital but ultimately succumbed to their injuries.
“The Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo continues to monitor the legal process and is providing legal support to ensure the suspects’ rights are protected,” Judha stated. The victim’s remains were repatriated to Indonesia on January 11, 2025.
The murder incident by Indonesian Nationals (WNI) initially reported by Japan media, began as a robbery that escalated into murder on November 3, 2024. On January 14, six Indonesian men were apprehended on suspicion of the case. The following day, authorities announced the arrest of 11 Indonesians, including a 38-year-old unemployed man with no fixed address.
Immigration Violations
In addition to the murder charges, the 11 suspects face immigration-related offenses. Authorities revealed that all the detainees had overstayed their visas.
“The Isesaki Police have charged the 11 individuals with immigration violations (overstaying) as the primary offense and murder as the secondary charge,” Judha explained.
Kemlu highlighted a growing issue involving Indonesian migrant workers as an interns and workers under Japan’s Specified Skilled Workers (SSW) program. Many Indonesian nationals, who initially entered Japan legally, overstayed their visas after their contracts expired.
“These individuals traveled legally to Japan but overstayed after their internship or SSW programs ended,” Judha noted, as reported by Detik..
The Indonesian government urged all citizens living and working abroad to comply with the laws of their host country and maintain Indonesia’s good name and reputations overseas.
(Raidi/Agung)
