Yustinus Paat, Jakarta – The Directorate General of Immigration has arrested six foreign nationals, five from Vietnam and one from China, suspected of violating their visa and residency permits through involvement in online prostitution.
Nur Raisha Pujiastuti, Head of the West Jakarta Immigration Office, reported that the arrests followed public tips about suspected prostitution at a hotel in the Gajah Mada area. In response, immigration officials conducted intelligence operations leading to the capture of the suspects.
"After receiving the community's report, our Immigration Intelligence and Enforcement Division promptly launched an operation," Nur stated at a press conference on Monday.
Undercover officers arrested VDN and five Vietnamese women – LTNM, 34, NTV, 23, PTP, 22, and NTT, 18 – as well as LQ from China. The suspects were caught in the act, and authorities seized five Vietnamese passports and one Chinese passport.
Additionally, officials confiscated six mobile phones, 16 contraceptive devices, one lubricant, and Rp 50 million ($3,200) in cash. Two phones belonging to VDN contained chat records related to online prostitution.
VDN is suspected of acting as a pimp, with the women reportedly earning Rp 10 million ($640) per engagement.
The suspects were taken to the West Jakarta Immigration Office for further investigation. The Vietnamese nationals entered Indonesia under a visa-free entry policy, while LQ held a limited stay permit (ITAS).
R. Andika Dwi Prasetya, Head of the DKI Jakarta Law and Human Rights Ministry, confirmed that the individuals misused their immigration permits and will face deportation and entry bans.