Over 1,400 Indonesians deported since January as Malaysia ramps up repatriation efforts
The Indonesian Consulate General in Johor Bahru (KJRI) has facilitated the deportation of 150 citizens from Malaysia, marking another wave of returns under an ongoing bilateral repatriation programme.
On March 19, 2025, 150 Indonesian nationals were deported from Pasir Gudang, Johor, to Tanjungpinang, Indonesia, after serving sentences for immigration and criminal offences. The move is part of Malaysia’s wider effort to repatriate 7,200 Indonesian detainees in 48 phases through a structured deportation programme launched in December 2024.
According to Jati Winarto, head of the Protection Task Force at KJRI Johor Bahru, this facilitation reflects the consulate’s commitment to safeguarding Indonesians abroad. The consulate has assisted in 1,477 deportations since January 2025, including 13 minors. Of this total, 431 returns were part of Malaysia’s official repatriation programme, while others were conducted independently by various immigration depots.
The deportees were transferred from multiple detention centres, including Depot Pekan Nanas, Depot Kemayan, Depot Beranang, Depot Machap Umboo, and Depot Setia Tropika.
KJRI Johor Bahru extended its gratitude to the Malaysian Immigration Department, BP3MI Tanjungpinang, the Tanjungpinang Immigration Office, the Women’s Social Protection Centre (RPTC) in Tanjung, and the Tanjungpinang Health Office for their cooperation. Their combined efforts were instrumental in ensuring a safe and organised repatriation process.
Ongoing Support and Humanitarian Focus
The consulate emphasized that reintegrating returning Indonesians into society is a national priority. This coordinated approach not only strengthens cross-border relations but also provides a humane solution for detainees who have completed their sentences, giving them the opportunity to begin anew in their homeland.
This latest deportation is a key milestone in the ongoing repatriation of Indonesian detainees from Malaysia. With structured cooperation between consular and local authorities, the programme ensures safe returns and reaffirms the Indonesian government’s responsibility to protect its citizens abroad, while fostering stronger bilateral ties in regional humanitarian coordination.
Sources: Marwah Kepri (2025), Batam News (2025)
Keywords: Indonesia Deportation Program, Repatriation From Malaysia, KJRI Johor Bahru Effort, Return Of WNI
