Despite prior detainment, Chinese national remains in Batam, sparking outrage from public and victim’s family
The Ministry of Manpower has pledged to coordinate with immigration authorities to deport a Chinese national accused of violently assaulting a young woman in Batam, after public outrage intensified over his continued legal presence and employment in the country.
Chen Shen (CS), a Chinese national holding a valid KITAS (Limited Stay Permit), has come under fire following allegations of assaulting a 20-year-old woman, identified as IRS, in Batam. The incident left IRS severely traumatized and unable to resume her daily activities. Although the public was initially led to believe CS had been deported, he was later found still living and working in Batam, raising questions about the enforcement of immigration sanctions.
On April 30, 2025, Deputy Manpower Minister Immanuel Ebenezer (also known as Noel) publicly condemned the violence and vowed to push for CS’s deportation. “We must not tolerate any form of violence, especially against women,” Noel stated. He emphasized the need for swift immigration action to prevent generalizations about foreigners and protect the public’s sense of justice.
Immigration’s Conflicting Stance Fuels Anger
Despite being named in a March 13 immigration operation, CS has yet to face any administrative action. Immigration officials claimed that no administrative violations were found and the case had been closed with an SP3 (Order to Terminate Investigation). The explanation failed to satisfy the victim’s legal team and the public, who argue that the attack constitutes a breach of public order, warranting immediate deportation.
The victim’s family and their lawyers were also approached by immigration officers proposing a Restorative Justice (RJ) process. However, the family refused any compensation and insisted only on the deportation of the accused. On March 27, 2025, the Indonesia Youth Congress Alliance held a protest outside Batam’s Immigration Office demanding the removal of the Immigration Chief and immediate deportation of CS.
Legal Team Denounces Lack of Action
Dr. Rolas Sitinjak, legal counsel for IRS, criticized immigration authorities for allowing CS to continue living freely despite the trauma he inflicted. “The victim is still living in fear, while the assailant remains employed. This undermines the public’s trust in our justice system,” he told the media, reinforcing calls for urgent enforcement measures.
Coordinated Efforts Demanded for Justice
CS was previously mentioned by name during the release of Operation Wira Waspada results, alongside several other foreign nationals. Yet no concrete legal follow-up occurred. Advocates now demand joint efforts between the Ministry of Manpower, Immigration, and law enforcement to uphold justice and ensure the safety of vulnerable individuals, especially women, in Indonesia’s foreign workforce landscape.
The case of Chen Shen has highlighted systemic cracks in Indonesia’s immigration enforcement and the urgent need for stronger coordination between agencies. For Batam residents and Southeast Asian observers, the incident raises concerns about the balance between protecting human rights and maintaining national security in communities with high foreign worker presence.
Sources: iNews Batam (2025), Sindo News (2025)
Keywords: Chinese National, Batam Assault, Deportation Request, Immigration Indonesia, Women Protection
