Batam authorities investigating alleged extortion of tourists, including S'poreans

Batam's immigration authorities are investigating allegations of officers extorting travellers for entry to the island.

Mothership had previously reported on Mar. 25 that two separate groups of travellers from Singapore complained of up to S$250 in "fees" to pass immigration checks.

Kharisma Rukmana, head of the information and communication section of the Batam Immigration Office, told The Jakarta Post in a written statement, "Thank you for the information given. We apologise for the inconvenience".

"Currently, the Immigration Directorate General’s Internal Compliance Directorate is studying and investigating the report.”

'Committed to zero tolerance of any form of illegal levies'

Hajar Aswad, Head of the Batam Immigration Office, told The Jakarta Post that if the investigation found violations by officers, action would be taken against the perpetrators in line with prevailing regulations.

"Batam Immigration Office is committed to zero tolerance of any form of illegal levies and will follow up all suspected violations in an objective and professional way."

Both representatives did not elaborate on how many immigration officers were being questioned or if reports could be verified by CCTV footage, reported The Jakarta Post.

Kharisma urged travellers to report misconduct through official channels, including email, WhatsApp or via Instagram direct messages, reported CNA.

"We believe that all foreign tourists entering Indonesia are entitled to immigration services that are good, accountable and in accordance with regulations."

Top photo from Suckee Park/Google Maps