Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — In an effort to enhance the security and protection of immigration officers, the Indonesian government has approved the use of firearms. This policy is part of the revised Immigration Law, Law No. 6 of 2011, which was recently passed.
Director General of Immigration, Silmy Karim, explained that the decision was made due to the high risks faced by officers in the field. He highlighted tragic incidents, such as the stabbing of an immigration officer by a foreigner involved in terrorism, which occurred during a joint operation with Indonesia’s counterterrorism unit, Densus 88, in April 2023. This incident underscored the need for additional protection for immigration personnel.
“Immigration officers, especially those stationed in conflict-prone border areas, face significant risks in their duties. These officers often deal with dangerous transnational criminals, making firearms necessary for self-defense and ensuring the apprehension of suspects,” Silmy said during a press release on Sunday evening (Sept. 29).
Silmy emphasized that threats such as violence, terrorism, and unrest that immigration officers may face make firearms not only a tool for protection but also a deterrent for foreigners who might attempt to resist officers.
As of 2024, immigration enforcement has shown significant improvement. Between January and September, immigration enforcement actions increased by 124%, more than doubling compared to the same period in 2023. During this period, immigration units across Indonesia conducted 3,393 enforcement actions. However, the higher volume of operations has also raised the risks for officers engaged in law enforcement.
The government is currently working on regulations governing the use of firearms by immigration officers through ministerial decrees. This step follows a comprehensive review and public consultation process.
“We’ve looked at references from other advanced countries like Singapore, the United States, Germany, Australia, and Malaysia, where immigration officers are permitted to carry firearms under strict regulations,” Silmy noted.
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The Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) officially passed the revised Immigration Law, Law No. 6 of 2011, during a plenary session at the MPR/DPR complex in Senayan, Jakarta, on Thursday (Sept. 19).
One of the key provisions agreed upon by both the government and the DPR is a clause that allows certain immigration officers to carry firearms as part of their law enforcement duties. Article 3, Paragraph 4, was added to stipulate that specific immigration officers may be equipped with firearms, with the type and conditions for their use regulated by applicable laws and regulations.
(Raidi/Agung)
