(Jakarta, 16th) Indonesian authorities have conducted multiple raids exposing hundreds of foreign nationals suspected of abusing the visa-free policy to enter the country, engaging in online gambling and fraud activities. As a result, the government is considering reassessing its visa-free entry policy.
Last week, Indonesian authorities raided an online gambling den in West Jakarta and busted fraud rings located on Batam Island, the Riau Islands, and in Surabaya, East Java, arresting over 500 foreign nationals suspected of participating in cybercrime activities.
According to The Jakarta Post, Indonesia’s Director General of Immigration, Hendra Sandra, said on Wednesday (May 13) that in recent weeks, authorities had carried out five crackdowns on cybercrime gangs involving foreigners, with most suspects coming from Vietnam and Cambodia—both countries whose citizens enjoy 30-day visa-free entry to Indonesia.
Of the 320 foreigners arrested, the majority entered the country on visitor permits or via visa-free or visa-on-arrival schemes.
In a statement, Hendra Sandra said: “Cases of foreigners involved in illegal activities, including those from countries that benefit from visa-free access, compel us to evaluate the visa-free policy.”
He stated that only those foreigners who are beneficial to Indonesia and do not threaten public safety should be allowed to enter Indonesia.
However, cybersecurity expert Alfons believes that visa-free entry is not the main factor behind the growing number of foreign cybercrimes in Indonesia; instead, the visa-free policy attracts more foreign tourists, and amending this policy would only harm the tourism industry.
Alfons pointed out that, compared to other countries, Indonesia’s potentially weaker regulation and lower legal risks allow cybercriminal gangs to exploit loopholes; strengthening regulation and law enforcement is a more effective way to curb foreigners engaging in illegal activities in Indonesia.
Hikmahanto, an international law expert from the University of Indonesia, praised the government for reviewing the visa-free policy, saying it would help screen incoming foreign tourists. “It is now time for Indonesia to focus on improving the quality of tourists rather than blindly pursuing numbers.”
According to The Jakarta Post, Indonesia’s Director General of Immigration, Hendra Sandra, said on Wednesday (May 13) that in recent weeks, authorities had carried out five crackdowns on cybercrime gangs involving foreigners, with most suspects coming from Vietnam and Cambodia—both countries whose citizens enjoy 30-day visa-free entry to Indonesia.
Of the 320 foreigners arrested, the majority entered the country on visitor permits or via visa-free or visa-on-arrival schemes.
In a statement, Hendra Sandra said: “Cases of foreigners involved in illegal activities, including those from countries that benefit from visa-free access, compel us to evaluate the visa-free policy.”
He stated that only those foreigners who are beneficial to Indonesia and do not threaten public safety should be allowed to enter Indonesia.
However, cybersecurity expert Alfons believes that visa-free entry is not the main factor behind the growing number of foreign cybercrimes in Indonesia; instead, the visa-free policy attracts more foreign tourists, and amending this policy would only harm the tourism industry.
Alfons pointed out that, compared to other countries, Indonesia’s potentially weaker regulation and lower legal risks allow cybercriminal gangs to exploit loopholes; strengthening regulation and law enforcement is a more effective way to curb foreigners engaging in illegal activities in Indonesia.
Hikmahanto, an international law expert from the University of Indonesia, praised the government for reviewing the visa-free policy, saying it would help screen incoming foreign tourists. “It is now time for Indonesia to focus on improving the quality of tourists rather than blindly pursuing numbers.”