Between January and July 2026, Indonesian immigration authorities intercepted 8,287 citizens suspected of being vulnerable to human trafficking. These individuals were stopped from leaving the country as part of an ongoing national strategy to protect citizens from international exploitation.
Hendarsam Marantoko, Director General of Immigration at the Ministry of Immigration and Correctional Affairs (Kemenimipas), explained that these interventions rely on multi-layered preventive measures.
Grounded in national immigration law, these safeguards operate throughout the entire travel lifecycle, from the initial passport application stage to final passport control checks at designated departure points.
A Positive Trend in Prevention and Border Security
While the number of intercepted travellers remains significant, it represents a notable improvement over previous figures. During the same seven-month period in 2025, authorities stopped 9,456 unauthorized departures and rejected 9,394 passport applications.
This reflects a 12.36% decrease in halted departures year-on-year.
The broader multi-year data highlights similar progress across several areas of border control:
- Unprocedural Migrant Workers: Departures of migrant workers attempting to travel through unofficial channels dropped by 63.97%, falling from 2,470 in 2024 down to 890 in 2025.
- General Departure Deferrals: Overall travel deferrals decreased by 67.85%, dropping from 20,291 cases in 2024 to 6,524 in 2025.
This downward trend points to the growing effectiveness of early detection systems, stricter oversight, and closer collaboration between government agencies.
The primary goal of these measures is not to create unnecessary administrative hurdles for genuine travellers, but to prevent criminal syndicates from abusing travel documents.
Grassroots Awareness and Border Control Tactics
Prevention strategies are implemented both locally within communities and at critical border crossings. For example, the Batam Immigration Office, located along the strategic Malacca Strait transit route, rejected 17 passport applications during the first half of 2026 after identifying potential risks.
To address these risks before citizens reach the border, the government deploys 516 designated Pimpasa officers.
These officers work directly in rural villages to raise awareness about the dangers of human trafficking, educate residents on lawful employment channels abroad, and spot early signs of recruitment schemes.
For individuals who have previously been rescued or intercepted, immigration uses a Subject of Interest (SOI) database. If a known victim attempts to travel abroad again, the system automatically alerts border officers at checkpoints, ensuring these travellers receive immediate additional screening and support.
Why Are Passport Applications Rejected in Indonesia?
Human trafficking prevention can begin well before a person arrives at an airport or other international departure point.
Indonesian immigration offices can reject or defer passport applications when applicants fail to meet certain requirements or when officers identify circumstances that require further investigation.
Achmad Nur Saleh, Coordinator of Public Communication at the Directorate General of Immigration, said the passport application process is not simply an administrative procedure.
It also forms part of the government’s efforts to protect Indonesian citizens.
Under Law Number 6 of 2011 on Immigration and Ministerial Regulation Number 18 of 2022, several circumstances can result in a passport application being rejected.
1. The Applicant Does Not Meet the Requirements
A passport application may be rejected if the applicant fails to fulfil the required administrative conditions. This can include problems with the application or supporting documents that prevent immigration officers from verifying the information provided.
2. False Information Is Provided
Applicants can also face rejection if they provide false or misleading information during the passport application process. Immigration officers may conduct checks to verify the information and documents submitted by an applicant.
3. Supporting Documents Are Not Valid
Applicants must provide valid supporting documents as required by immigration regulations. If the documents are incomplete, invalid or cannot be properly verified, the application may not proceed.
4. There Are Signs of Potential Passport Misuse
Immigration authorities may also take action if there are indications that an applicant intends to use the passport for a purpose that differs from the information provided.
This is particularly important when officers identify signs that the document could be used in connection with illegal employment, trafficking or other unlawful activities.
5. The Applicant Is on a Travel Prevention List
A passport application can also be rejected if the applicant is included on an official prevention and deterrence list, commonly associated with travel restrictions imposed by the relevant authorities.
6. The Applicant May Be an Undocumented Migrant Worker
Another reason for rejection is an indication that the applicant intends to work overseas through an unofficial or non-procedural route. This is an important part of Indonesia’s efforts to prevent migrant workers from becoming vulnerable to exploitation, fraudulent recruitment or human trafficking.
