‘Give me 1 million rupiah’: What you should do if asked for a bribe when entering Batam
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Travellers are not required to pay unofficial fees for entry into Batam.
ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY
- Report bribery attempts to Indonesia's immigration via email (pengaduan@imigrasi.go.id), WhatsApp (+62 813 9967 9966), or website (www.imigrasi.go.id), providing specific details.
- If asked for a bribe, stay calm, request an official receipt, and ask to speak to a supervisor; legitimate payments are always documented.
- Singaporeans can seek help from the Singapore Consulate-General in Batam (+62 778 372 0000) or the 24-hour MFA Duty Office in Singapore (+65 6379 8800 8855).
AI generated
JAKARTA – Recent reports of travellers being asked for bribes at Batam’s entry points have raised fresh concerns about extortion. Here is what you need to know if you encounter such a situation.
1. Is there an official channel to report immigration officers in Indonesia?
Yes. Complaints can be lodged directly with Indonesia’s Direktorat Jenderal Imigrasi (Directorate General of Immigration), which oversees all immigration officers, through its official channels:
E-mail: pengaduan@imigrasi.go.id (monitored during office hours)
WhatsApp: +62-813-9967-9966 (active during working hours)
Website: www.imigrasi.go.id (live chat during office hours)
At the Batam Centre International Ferry Terminal, “no tipping” notices are prominently displayed at immigration counters, with CCTV cameras in place to monitor interactions.
Travellers can scan QR codes at the checkpoint to submit complaints on the spot. These measures have been in place for some time, with the signage introduced in February 2025.
When filing a report, include details such as the time, location, officer description and what was requested. Such information helps support investigations and disciplinary action.
2. What should I do on the spot if I am asked to pay?
Travellers are not required to pay unofficial fees for entry. Singaporeans, for instance, do not need a visa for short visits, so any demand for cash at the counter should raise concern.
If approached:
Stay calm and ask what the payment is for
Request an official receipt
Ask to speak to a supervisor if the explanation is unclear
Indonesia’s immigration system has formalised processes and published fees, meaning legitimate payments will always be documented. Keep your response calm and procedural, rather than confrontational, to reduce the risk of escalation.
If you feel uncomfortable or pressured, prioritise your safety and move to a public area before deciding your next step.
Avoid making any unofficial or ad hoc payments, including online transfers, even if told it will speed up the process.
3. Can Singaporeans get help from their consulate in Batam?
Yes. Singaporeans can seek assistance from the Singapore Consulate-General in Batam, which provides consular support in distress situations, including disputes with the local authorities.
Main line (office hours): +62-778-372-0000
After-hours emergency duty officer: +62-811-7049-084
Address:
Singapore Consulate-General
in Batam
Level 3, Panbil Residence
Jalan Ahmad Yani, Muka Kuning
Batam 29433, Indonesia
For urgent assistance, Singaporeans can contact the 24-hour Ministry of Foreign Affairs Duty Office in Singapore on +65-6379-8800/8855.
