Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — The Chinese Embassy in Indonesia has formally lodged a complaint with multiple Indonesian government agencies, alleging that several of its citizens were victims of extortion by immigration officers at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta.
In a letter dated January 21, 2025, the embassy addressed its concerns to the Directorate General of Protocol and Consular Affairs at the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Directorate General of Immigration at the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, and the Directorate General of Asia-Pacific and African Affairs.
Immediate Government Response
Responding to the allegations, Indonesia’s Minister of Immigration and Corrections, Agus Andrianto, expressed gratitude to the Chinese Embassy for highlighting the issue. Agus confirmed that the government had swiftly initiated an internal investigation and reassigned all implicated officers from their posts at Soekarno-Hatta Airport.
“We appreciate the information provided. We have immediately withdrawn all personnel from their assignments at Soekarno-Hatta and replaced them. They are currently undergoing internal investigations,” Agus stated in a written message to the media on Saturday, February 1.
Agus assured that those found guilty would face appropriate disciplinary actions based on verified evidence. “We will impose sanctions in accordance with the clarified responsibilities and proven violations,” he added.
Widespread Extortion Allegations
The Chinese Embassy reported that it had documented 44 extortion cases involving its nationals throughout 2024. However, embassy officials believe this number represents only a fraction of the actual incidents. Many Chinese travelers reportedly refrained from filing complaints due to tight schedules or fears of retaliation when re-entering Indonesia or traveling to other countries.
The specifics of the extortion methods and the exact nature of the incidents have not been publicly disclosed. Additionally, Indonesian authorities have not detailed the potential sanctions that may be imposed on the implicated officers, leaving uncertainty about the severity of the disciplinary measures.
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Implications for Indonesia’s International Reputation
These allegations could have broader implications for Indonesia’s international reputation, particularly regarding the treatment of foreign nationals and the integrity of its immigration services. Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, as the country’s primary gateway, plays a crucial role in shaping first impressions for international visitors.
This case also underscores the importance of diplomatic channels in addressing cross-border grievances and ensuring the protection of foreign nationals. The Indonesian government’s prompt response suggests a commitment to maintaining strong bilateral relations with China, Indonesia’s largest trading partner.
As the investigation unfolds, both Indonesian authorities and the Chinese Embassy are expected to monitor the situation closely, with potential diplomatic repercussions depending on the outcomes and subsequent actions taken by the Indonesian government.
(Becky)
