S'porean family travelling to Batam paid S$200 'fine' after children allegedly detained for using phones in immigration queue

A Singaporean family's Chinese New Year vacation to Batam Island, Indonesia, took an unfortunate turn when they allegedly had to pay a S$200 fine to enter the country after their children were allegedly detained for using their phones in an immigration queue.

Speaking to Shin Min Daily News, the father, Lin (transliterated), said the incident occurred on Feb. 15, 2026, when his family queued in a hall and awaited immigration procedures upon arrival.

Unable to leave room

Lin, 54, added that after he and his wife successfully passed through customs, they were worried as their two children still did not come out after half an hour.

He then called his children and learned that they had supposedly been detained by local customs officials and were unable to leave the room at the immigration office.

Using phone

This is because his children were using their phones while queuing, said Lin, who found this reason "absolutely outrageous", as he said his children were doing so to fill out immigration cards on their phones.

The family repeatedly explained and emphasised that they did not take any photos with their phones, but were reportedly told they would only be released after paying a fine, Shin Min reported.

Lin added that though he tried his best to negotiate, an employee, who took him and his wife to meet their two children, insisted that each of the two children had to pay a fine of S$100.

Otherwise, they would not be allowed to enter the country, the family was told.

Given that the family had booked a hotel and did not want their holiday to be ruined, they paid the S$200, after which they were able to continue with their trip and encountered no difficulties on the return trip.

Officials reassigned

Similar cases have been floated up recently, leading to statements by Batam officials.

Recent reports have stated that five Batam immigration officials were reassigned amidst investigations into the alleged extortion cases at Batam Centre International Ferry Terminal.

Prior to this, tourists from Singapore, Malaysia, Myanmar, China, the Philippines, and Bangladesh reported having been allegedly extorted up to S$300 each at the ferry terminal.

Top photo via Shin Min Daily News