Eyewitness – PONOROGO
The Ponorogo Immigration Office has officially handed over a Malaysian national, identified by the initials MZ (56), to the Pacitan District Attorney’s Office following a criminal investigation into immigration violations. The suspect was apprehended on Friday, January 9, 2026.
The Investigation
The case began after officials received a report from the Office of Religious Affairs (KUA) in Donorojo District, Pacitan Regency. The report concerned the planned marriage between MZ and an Indonesian national, identified as NI.
In response, the Intelligence and Immigration Enforcement (Inteldakim) team from the Ponorogo Immigration Office—which oversees the Pacitan jurisdiction—conducted a field operation. MZ was located at the residence of his prospective bride in Sinoman Lor, Klepu Village.
Document Irregularities
Upon inspection of his travel documents, authorities discovered that MZ was holding a Malaysian passport that had expired years ago. The passport was valid from September 26, 2016, until January 14, 2022. Due to the lack of valid documentation, MZ was taken to the Ponorogo Immigration Office for further interrogation.
History of Overstaying
The investigation revealed that MZ had traveled in and out of Indonesia several times since 2014. His most recent entry was on August 11, 2018, via Soekarno-Hatta International Airport.
MZ entered the country using a 30-day Visa Exemption, which expired on September 9, 2018. He has remained in Indonesia illegally for over seven years since that date.
Deception and Financial Struggles
The investigation also uncovered further irregularities regarding MZ’s personal status. While he claimed to be a widower to marry NI, records show he is still legally married to another Indonesian woman, MY, with their marriage registered at the Sidomukti KUA in 2016.
During his time in Indonesia, MZ lacked steady employment and a stable income. He admitted to authorities that financial difficulties prevented him from purchasing a return ticket to Malaysia or renewing his passport once it expired.
Forgery of Marriage Documents
On January 9, 2026, while attempting to register his marriage to NI at the KUA in Donorojo, MZ submitted a “Permission to Marry Abroad” letter purportedly issued by the Malaysian Embassy in Jakarta.
Authorities discovered that the document was a relic from his 2016 marriage application with his first wife, MY. MZ had allegedly hand-altered and forged the issuance date, his marital status to “widower,” and the name of the prospective bride to facilitate his new marriage plans.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
Following an investigation order dated February 12, 2026, Civil Servant Investigators (PPNS) from the Ponorogo Immigration Office initiated a criminal probe. On February 13, 2026, MZ’s status was officially upgraded from reported party to suspect.
Based on witness testimonies, expert statements, and physical and electronic evidence, investigators confirmed that MZ was residing in Indonesia without a valid passport or visa at the time of his apprehension at NI’s residence.
MZ is currently charged under Article 119, Paragraph (1) of Law No. 6 of 2011 on Immigration, in conjunction with Law No. 1 of 2026 on Penal Adjustments. The statutes stipulate:
”Any foreign national entering or residing in Indonesian territory without a valid and active travel document and visa… shall be subject to a maximum prison sentence of five years and a maximum fine of Rp500,000,000.00 (five hundred million rupiahs).”
Under the latest penal adjustments, the suspect faces a maximum of five years in prison and/or a Category IV fine.
Following up on a criminal investigation, case files have been officially handed over to the Public Prosecutor of the Pacitan District Attorney’s Office (Kejari) for further review. On April 6, 2026, the case was declared complete (P21). Consequently, today, April 8, 2026, Civil Servant Investigators (PPNS) from the Ponorogo Immigration Office are transferring the suspect and evidence to the Pacitan District Attorney to proceed with prosecution in accordance with applicable laws.
Strengthening Legal Sovereignty
This law enforcement action exemplifies the solid synergy and collaboration between Law Enforcement Agencies (APH) and relevant stakeholders. The primary goal remains maintaining public order and ensuring that all foreign nationals (WNA) comply with prevailing regulations to uphold national sovereignty.
The handling of foreign nationals suspected of committing immigration crimes aligns with recent statements from the Minister of Immigration and Corrections, Agus Andrianto. The Minister emphasized that Immigration is committed to ensuring that every foreigner entering Indonesia provides a positive contribution. He further asserted that the authorities will not hesitate to take firm action against anyone who violates rules or threatens public order.
”The Ponorogo Immigration Office will continue to strengthen supervision and enhance synergy with related agencies to prevent immigration violations. Law enforcement will be carried out firmly and professionally as a form of protecting national sovereignty and ensuring legal certainty,” explained Anggoro Widy Utomo, Head of the Ponorogo Immigration Office.
Reporter : Daniel Herry
