MAKASSAR, RAKYAT NEWS – The Makassar Immigration Detention Center (Rudenim Makassar) has reaffirmed its commitment to upholding Indonesia’s immigration laws by deporting a Nigerian national identified as DO, aged 53, on Thursday, December 4, 2025.

The deportation followed his prolonged violation of residency regulations, having remained in Indonesia without valid documentation for almost ten years. The firm action reflects strong inter-agency coordination and the vital role of immigration oversight.

Authorities reported that DO first entered Indonesia on April 21, 2014, through Soekarno–Hatta International Airport. He arrived using a visitor visa that granted him a 30-day stay for tourism purposes. However, after the visa expired, he failed to leave the country as required.

According to DO’s own statement, he had intended to return home but lacked the financial means to purchase a ticket back to Nigeria. This situation left him stranded in Indonesia without legal status, resulting in a serious overstay violation that stretched nearly a decade beyond the permitted duration.

The immigration breach was officially uncovered on February 4, 2020, when officers from the Central Jakarta Class I Immigration Office apprehended DO. He was found to have violated Article 78(3) of Law No. 6 of 2011 on Immigration. Following a series of examinations and administrative procedures, he was designated an immigration detainee.

Initially, DO was held at the Jakarta Immigration Detention Center. However, for efficiency and in preparation for his repatriation, he was transferred to Rudenim Makassar on July 31, 2024. During his detention in Makassar, officers worked diligently to process his travel documents and coordinate with Nigerian representatives to facilitate his return.

After months of administrative handling and diplomatic coordination, the deportation was carried out smoothly and safely. Along with his removal from the country, DO will also be subject to a re-entry ban, preventing him from returning to Indonesia for a period determined by existing regulations.

Officials emphasized that this measure is consistent with Indonesian immigration law and serves as a deterrent to similar violations. Overstay cases, especially those of a long duration, remain a priority for enforcement as the government continues efforts to maintain order in immigration practices.

The Head of Rudenim Makassar stated that the action reflects Indonesia’s impartial enforcement of the law. “This deportation marks the conclusion of a lengthy legal process. We want to ensure that every foreign national residing in Indonesia complies with our regulations. Our duty is to safeguard national sovereignty and maintain public order in the field of immigration,” he said.

The case underscores the Indonesian government’s ongoing determination to address immigration violations and strengthen border control measures. By taking firm action in cases such as this, authorities aim to promote adherence to legal requirements and protect the integrity of the country’s immigration system.(Uki)