Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. The Directorate General of Immigration reported a 166 percent increase in immigration law enforcement in the first half of 2024 compared to the previous year.

From January to June, 77 people faced immigration-related charges, up from 29 in the same period in 2023.

"We processed both foreign nationals and Indonesian citizens. Penalties include up to 15 years in prison and fines up to Rp 1.5 billion," said Director General of Immigration Silmy Karim on Tuesday (16/7/2024).

He explained that suspects are charged under Article 120 of Law No. 6 of 2011 on Immigration for attempted human smuggling. The issue is being addressed by immigration offices in Medan and Entikong.

"Human smuggling is a complex and dangerous global issue with wide-ranging impacts. The threat comes from both outside and within the country," said Silmy, as reported by antaranews.com.

Out of the 77 cases, 29 have been declared complete, with six being minor offenses. As many as 32 cases involved violations of Article 119 of the Immigration Law, carrying penalties of up to five years in prison and/or fines up to IDR 500 million for expired or falsified documents.

(mg/inp/pr/nm)