The head of the Batam Immigration Office has been temporarily relieved of his duties following allegations of extortion involving foreign visitors at the Batam Centre International Ferry Terminal. Hajar Aswad has been recalled to the central office of the Directorate General of Immigration in Jakarta for a comprehensive internal examination.
Ujo Sujoto, head of the Riau Islands regional immigration office, confirmed the temporary withdrawal on Saturday, indicating a serious response to the accusations. “It is correct. The individual has been temporarily withdrawn to the central office for further examination,” Sujoto stated. Concurrently, an immigration officer, identified only by the initials JS, has also been suspended for their alleged connection to the same case.
The Directorate General of Immigration’s internal compliance unit is actively pursuing an investigation into the matter. This probe aims to determine the full extent of the alleged misconduct and identify any other officers who may have been involved in the reported incidents.
The allegations gained public prominence after a group of Singaporean tourists detailed experiences on March 13 and 14. These visitors reported being asked for monetary payments by immigration officers while attempting to clear customs at the Batam Centre International Ferry Terminal, prompting the swift internal inquiry.
Despite the ongoing investigation and the suspensions, officials have assured that service delivery at the Batam Immigration Office will remain uninterrupted. Plans are already in place for an acting head to be appointed on April 6, ensuring the continuity of all operational functions as the internal review progresses.
Source: Original
