Dumai, Batam Among Routes Used To Smuggle Indonesians Into Malaysia - Consulate

JOHOR BAHRU, Aug 23 (Bernama) -- Routes from Indonesian regions bordering or located near Malaysia, particularly Dumai, Bengkalis and Selat Panjang in Riau, as well as Batam, Bintan and Karimun in the Riau Islands, have been identified as among the routes commonly used by syndicates to smuggle Indonesian nationals into Malaysia illegally.

The Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia (KJRI) in Johor Bahru said the modus operandi identified included entering Malaysia legally before working without a permit, using a third country such as Thailand, and entering the country through back routes or other illegal channels.

“Recruitment or scams through social media have also been identified, particularly involving job offers as domestic helpers and crew members.

“In addition, there have been cases of exploitation of Indonesian migrant workers (PMI), including non-payment of wages or mistreatment, as well as the recruitment of people from remote areas with offers of high-paying jobs overseas,” KJRI said in a written response to Bernama.

The involvement of certain parties in facilitating the movement of undocumented Indonesian nationals or PMIs without valid permits was also identified.

At the same time, Indonesian authorities have detected a shift in syndicates’ modus operandi towards online scams, with even highly educated individuals being targeted through overseas job offers, including in information technology, with promises of high incomes.

Action has also been taken by the Indonesian National Police (POLRI), Directorate General of Immigration and relevant agencies to dismantle networks involved in the illegal or irregular recruitment and transportation of Indonesian migrant workers (PMIs) to Malaysia.

KJRI Johor Bahru said the Indonesian government had tightened controls at its border entry points, with 8,287 departures postponed and 9,394 high-risk passport applications rejected between January and July this year, as part of efforts to curb the illegal movement of Indonesians overseas.

Measures by its Directorate General of Immigration also included tighter controls at border points, including Batam and Pontianak.

Based on enforcement data up to mid-2025, POLRI had handled 609 cases of human trafficking (TPPO), most of which were linked to syndicates involved in the illegal or irregular movement of PMIs.

KJRI said it was aware of information circulating widely on social media regarding alleged illegal routes from Indonesia to Malaysia by sea.

It said the consulate was monitoring the development and had reported social media accounts found to be disseminating such information to the Indonesian authorities for further action.

KJRI Johor Bahru also said it frequently received complaints from Indonesians who had entered and worked in Malaysia through illegal routes or channels, with some contacting the consulate after encountering various problems in the country.

Among the assistance provided were consular services, help in obtaining travel documents and facilitating their return to Indonesia when necessary.

“The use of illegal routes not only exposes them to risks under immigration laws, but also increases the likelihood of them falling victim to scams, exploitation and human trafficking,” KJRI said.

On claims that some Indonesians were willing to pay up to RM1,500 to enter Malaysia illegally, KJRI Johor Bahru said it could not verify the amount.

However, based on information and complaints received, the consulate said some Indonesians had admitted paying money to certain parties to enter Malaysia through illegal channels.

One factor that may be driving this is the desire to secure employment quickly, including among individuals who face difficulties entering Malaysia through regular channels.

-- BERNAMA