Ministry of Immigration and Corrections
Directorate General of Immigration
JAKARTA - The revised Law No. 6 of 2011 concerning Immigration, which has been ratified, introduces new regulations regarding the use of firearms by immigration officers in their law enforcement duties. These regulations are based on the high occupational risks immigration officers face while conducting immigration supervision and enforcement.
"There was a tragic incident where an immigration officer lost his life while on duty. In April 2023, an officer at the North Jakarta Immigration Office was stabbed to death by a foreigner attempting to escape from a detention room. This individual was involved in terrorism and was being handled by Densus 88 Anti-terror alongside Immigration," said the Director General of Immigration, Silmy Karim, on Friday (27/09/2024).
Immigration officers who monitor the country's borders, especially in conflict-prone areas, also face significant risks. They often contend with dangerous transnational criminals, making firearms necessary for self-defence and apprehending offenders.
The threats of violence, terrorism, and riots that officers may encounter mean that weapons serve not only as protection but also as a deterrent against foreigners who might attempt to confront them.
In 2024, the Immigration Office plans to enhance its law enforcement performance. Actions increased by 124% from January to September compared to the same period in 2023. During these months in 2024, 3,393 immigration actions were recorded and carried out by immigration units across Indonesia. The heightened volume of immigration surveillance and operations presents additional risks for law enforcement officers.
"We look to other countries with advanced immigration functions, such as Singapore, the United States, Germany, Australia, and Malaysia. Immigration officers in these nations are permitted to use firearms, but only under stringent regulations," Silmy added.
He noted that the government is currently developing a mechanism for immigration officers to use firearms through ministerial regulations. This decision follows a comprehensive public review and testing phase.
"With this new responsibility, we will establish stringent criteria for which officers may carry firearms and clear procedures for their use, including limitations. We have not yet implemented the use of firearms as we are still awaiting the derivative regulations," concluded the Director General of Immigration.
Last updated 25 November 2024
