Following public complaints, Batam Immigration and Customs officers raided Formosa KTV but found no foreign nationals during the operation.
Batam’s joint Immigration and Customs task force conducted a surprise inspection at Formosa KTV & Night Club in Lubuk Baja on the night of October 29, following reports of foreign nationals allegedly violating stay permits. While no foreigners were found during the operation, officials vowed to intensify monitoring and enforcement across Batam’s entertainment sector.
Public Reports Trigger Late-Night Raid
The operation began around 9:30 p.m., led by Jefrico Daud Marturia, Head of Intelligence and Immigration Enforcement at the Batam Immigration Office. The team, dressed in full uniform, entered the entertainment venue and immediately swept through the premises—from the main lobby to VIP karaoke rooms—after receiving multiple community reports and social media posts about alleged foreign activity.
“The team moved quickly, inspecting every room while maintaining professionalism and coordination with management,” Jefrico said. The sudden inspection caused the once-lively nightclub atmosphere to fall silent as officers searched the premises.
No Foreign Nationals Found
After an extensive search, immigration officers confirmed that no foreign nationals were found conducting activities at the location. However, Jefrico emphasized that the inspection was part of a series of ongoing enforcement operations aimed at ensuring compliance with immigration laws.
“This was not an isolated raid,” he clarified. “Our oversight at Formosa KTV follows an earlier operation at Panda Club Batam, where three Chinese nationals were detained for alleged immigration violations.” Those individuals are currently undergoing further investigation at the Batam Immigration Office.
Strengthened Oversight Across Batam
Jefrico reiterated that Batam Immigration remains committed to intensifying monitoring efforts through both administrative checks and on-ground operations. “We will continue to strengthen coordination with other agencies such as Customs to ensure that field operations are effective and targeted,” he said.
The enhanced oversight aligns with the Immigration and Correctional Acceleration Program launched by Minister Agus Andrianto, which aims to boost law enforcement efficiency and prevent violations by foreign nationals nationwide.
Encouraging Public Participation
Authorities also urged residents to take an active role in reporting suspicious activities involving foreigners. Reports can be made via the official Immigration Batam complaint hotline at 0821-8088-9090.
“Foreign nationals found violating immigration regulations will face firm action in accordance with Indonesian law,” Jefrico asserted, reaffirming the government’s commitment to safeguarding legal order and national sovereignty.
The Formosa KTV raid underscores Batam’s firm stance on monitoring foreign nationals and maintaining lawful business operations. As immigration authorities tighten oversight and coordination with Customs, the city aims to strike a balance between supporting its international business environment and enforcing strict compliance with immigration regulations—a key issue for Batam’s evolving role as a regional economic hub.
Sources: Tribun Batam (2025) , Posmetrobatam.co.id (2025)
Keywords: Immigration Raid, Batam Foreigners, Formosa KTV, Visa Enforcement, Customs Cooperation, Batam Oversight
