Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. The Directorate General of Immigration is evaluating visa-free policies for specific countries identified as "scammer producers" to prevent Indonesia from becoming a safe haven for international fraud syndicates. 

The move follows the recent arrest of 210 foreigners in Batam for alleged investment scams, including 125 Vietnamese and 84 Chinese citizens.

“We will look further ahead at preventive measures against specific countries that are indeed 'producers' of scammers,” said Hendarsam, the Director General of Immigration, during a press conference on Friday (8/5/2026), as cited by antaranews.com.

He emphasized that strengthening early detection and intelligence at border checkpoints remains a priority to balance economic interests with national security.

The crackdown reflected a growing trend as syndicates migrate from countries like Cambodia and Laos. 

Brigadier General Untung Widyatmoko , the Secretary of NCB Interpol Indonesia, noted that similar arrests have occurred in Bali, Surabaya, and Jakarta, where 300 additional foreigners were recently detained. Authorities remain committed to ensuring Indonesia does not become a destination for transnational crime.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)