The operation underscores Indonesia’s role in combatting international crime, as Batam has been identified as a key entry point for fugitives. According to Kombes Pol. Ricky Purnama, the Head of International Crimes at NCB Interpol Indonesia, five immigration entry points are frequently used by foreign fugitives to enter Indonesia. These are Denpasar, Batam, Soekarno-Hatta (Cengkareng), Medan, and Surabaya.

Purnama highlighted that Batam was the second-most common entry point for international fugitives last year, though Surabaya has surpassed it this year. The findings are based on annual updates to the immigration data, which show trends in criminal activity and fugitives’ entry points. Batam remains a significant hotspot due to its proximity to Singapore, a key transit hub for international criminals.

The NCB Interpol Indonesia continuously evaluates and strengthens cooperation with other agencies to prevent foreign criminals from entering the country. This includes efforts to improve surveillance at these high-risk entry points. Purnama emphasized the importance of ongoing assessments to ensure that Indonesia remains vigilant against international organized crime syndicates operating within its borders.

The arrest of Yan Zhenxing is part of Indonesia’s broader strategy to combat online gambling and associated criminal activities, which have seen significant growth in recent years. This operation also highlights the effectiveness of international cooperation in tackling transnational crime, as well as the importance of immigration enforcement in curbing the entry of fugitives into Indonesia.

Through such actions, Indonesia is sending a strong message that it is committed to cooperating with international law enforcement agencies and maintaining a rigorous stance against organized crime, including online gambling and money laundering. The success of this operation serves as a reminder of the importance of coordinated global efforts to address transnational criminal networks.(Uki Ruknuddin)

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