Friday, 23 October 2026
BATAM | INDATANEWS.COM - A joint task force comprising Naval Regional Command IV (Kodaeral IV) and the Indonesian Military Strategic Intelligence Agency's Foreign Nationals Monitoring Task Force (Satgas POA BAIS TNI) has foiled the suspected illegal departure of 12 Vietnamese nationals believed to have been attempting to reach Malaysia through an unofficial sea route. The 12 foreign nationals were detained on Tuesday, 20 October 2026, near Lumba Island in Kasu, Belakang Padang District, Batam City, Riau Islands Province.
The operation forms part of efforts to strengthen surveillance across Indonesia's border areas, particularly to prevent maritime routes from being used for suspected cross-border activities that violate the law.The joint team identified the group after analysing information obtained during interviews with three other foreign nationals: two Vietnamese citizens and one Myanmar national. The findings prompted further investigations and surveillance of activities suspected of being linked to plans to leave Indonesia through an unofficial route.
The joint operation took place between 1.30 pm and 6.30 pm Western Indonesian Time (WIB) on Tuesday, 20 October 2026, around Lumba Island in Kasu, Belakang Padang District, Batam City.
During the operation, officers detained seven women and five men, all Vietnamese nationals. Based on initial surveillance findings, the authorities suspected that the group had been preparing to travel to Malaysia through border waters without complying with the required international departure procedures.Riau Islands Province occupies a strategically important position because of its proximity to several Southeast Asian countries. Its geographical location makes effective maritime surveillance and close coordination between law enforcement agencies essential to preventing cross-border offences.
The case also highlights the importance of intelligence analysis and field surveillance in detecting suspected illegal activities at an early stage. Further investigations are needed to establish the roles of those involved and the circumstances surrounding the planned departure.
Initial checks indicated that the Vietnamese nationals may have overstayed their permitted period of stay in Indonesia. They were also suspected of attempting to leave the country through an unofficial route without undergoing the required checks at an official Immigration Checkpoint (Tempat Pemeriksaan Imigrasi, TPI).
The suspected violations remain subject to further examination by the relevant authorities. Investigators are also seeking to establish why the group allegedly chose an unofficial route, including whether they were attempting to avoid consequences for a possible overstay or whether other circumstances were involved.The joint task force subsequently handed the 12 Vietnamese nationals over to the Batam Immigration Office for further processing within its jurisdiction.
Immigration officials will examine their residence permits, travel documents and the suspected violations associated with their planned departure. Further inquiries will determine the facts of the case and the appropriate action under Indonesian law.The incident underlines that border surveillance involves more than preventing unauthorised entry. It also includes monitoring foreign nationals suspected of attempting to leave the country without following the required legal procedures.
Kodaeral IV Commander Rear Admiral Berkat Widjanarko urged residents of Riau Islands Province to play an active role in detecting and preventing legal violations and criminal activities. He also encouraged the public to remain alert to suspicious activities involving foreign nationals and report them promptly to the relevant authorities.
Public participation is particularly important in coastal communities and on islands with direct access to international shipping routes. Information provided by residents can help authorities assess potential violations quickly and direct their investigations more effectively.Kodaeral IV reaffirmed its commitment to improving coordination with relevant institutions and strengthening operational readiness to secure Indonesia's maritime areas and border regions. These efforts also support the government's broader objectives of enforcing the law and safeguarding the sovereignty and security of the Republic of Indonesia.
The case involving the 12 Vietnamese nationals highlights the challenges of border surveillance in Southeast Asia. Consistent enforcement of immigration regulations, intelligence sharing and inter-agency cooperation remain essential to preventing Indonesian maritime routes from being used for activities that violate the law. (IDNC)REPORTER: Dalil Harahap | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
