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View all search resultsIndonesia to review visa waivers after foreign scammers' arrests
Authorities last week detained more than 500 people in two separate raids on an online gambling ring in the capital Jakarta and a scamming syndicate in Batam.
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Immigration Director General Hendarsam Marantoko (third left) holds pieces of evidence, consisting of passports and electronic devices, together with other Immigration officials, Riau Islands Police chief Insp. Gen. Asep Safrudin (third right) and Indonesian Interpol National Central Bureau (NCB) secretary Brig. Gen. Untung Widiatmoko during a press conference, in Batam, Riau Islands, on Friday, May 8, 2026. Immigration officers raided an international scam network at Baloi View Apartment in Batam on Wednesday, May 8, 2026, and arrested 210 foreigners. (JP/Fadli)
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ndonesia will review its visa-free entry policy for nationals of Southeast Asian countries after a string of arrests of foreigners accused of running illegal gambling and scam operations, a top immigration official said Wednesday.
Authorities last week detained more than 500 people in two separate raids on an online gambling ring in the capital Jakarta and a scamming syndicate in Batam.
Those arrested were nationals of Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, Laos and Myanmar, which all enjoy 30-day visa-free stays in Indonesia, as well as China, which is not included in the waiver scheme.
Director general of immigration Hendarsam Marantoko said the illicit activities were cause for "serious concern".
"Cases of foreigners involved in illegal activities, including those coming from countries granted visa-free entry facilities, give rise to (a need for) evaluation" of policies, he said in a statement.
Investigators have found that many of those allegedly involved in the illegal gambling centre in Jakarta had entered Indonesia using visa waivers or applied for permits on arrival.
In recent weeks, immigration authorities have carried out more than 6,700 "administrative actions" including more than 2,000 deportations and cancellations of stay permits, Hendarsam said.
