BCM was installed to improve the airport's data entry system enabling it to record the fingerprints, faces and passports of travelers. The data would be connected to the immigration office's data center.

Heru Legowo, the general manager of airport operator PT Angkasa Pura, explained that the system took 30 seconds longer that the old one.

"We are always faced with problems during the arrival of international flights. Hundreds of visitors always flock to the immigration counters. The old system was already chaotic, but the new system took 90 seconds to process one passenger," Legowo said.

The airport serves hundreds of international flights, which usually arrive simultaneously.

Airport senior immigration official Wilopo said the order to halt operation of the BCM was issued directly by the of Justice and Human Rights Ministry.

"We have no idea if and when the system will operate again," he said.

Legowo suggested that the immigration office open additional counters to accelerate processing arrivals.

"Flight arrivals follow a pattern and therefore we can predict our peak hours," he said, adding that the immigration office should have prepared additional personnel, facilities and support structures before operating the BCM.

Culture and Tourism Minister Jero Wacik had earlier expressed concern over the inefficiency of the system.

"We have received complaints from foreign visitors over our immigration services. The new system must eliminate the problem," he warned.

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