Indonesia

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Indonesian authorities have deported a Nigerian national after he failed to provide immigration officials with a valid travel document or residence permit.

The Tanjungpinang Immigration Detention Centre in Riau Islands Province announced the deportation on Thursday, according to ANTARA News.

The Nigerian was among two foreign nationals deported on Tuesday, August 18, through the immigration checkpoint at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang.

“The Nigerian national could not show immigration officers a valid travel document or residence permit, violating Article 71(b) of the Immigration Law,” the report noted.

Prior to his deportation, the Nigerian was held at the Tanjungpinang Immigration Detention Centre, where officials confirmed his identity and prepared the necessary travel documents.

An official of the detention centre, I Wayan Putu Wiadnya, described the deportation as an administrative measure against foreign nationals who breach Indonesia’s immigration regulations.

He said, “We returned them and ensured the entire process was conducted professionally, orderly, safely and accountably.”

The Nigerian was deported alongside a Palestinian national who was also found to have breached Indonesian immigration rules.

Authorities said the Palestinian was deported after overstaying his permitted period in the country, in violation of Article 78(3) of the Immigration Law.

The Head of Tanjungpinang Immigration Detention Centre, Erybowo Radyan Asmono, said the action was part of efforts to enforce immigration laws and regulate the stay of foreign nationals in Indonesia.

He said, “Immigration law enforcement is essential to protecting national sovereignty, but it must remain firm, professional and guided by humanitarian principles.”

Asmono also stressed that all foreigners in Indonesia must comply with the country’s immigration laws and regulations.

He added that violations would lead to appropriate administrative action by the relevant authorities.

By Maryam Ahmad

An Indonesian province is offering cash rewards to men who undergo vasectomy procedures, in a bold effort to slow the country’s rapid population growth, The Star reports.

As part of a government-backed family planning campaign, local health authorities say the initiative aims to promote shared responsibility in reproductive health. Men who voluntarily get the procedure will receive a financial incentive, though the exact amount has not been publicly disclosed.

“We want to raise awareness that family planning is not just a woman’s burden,” a provincial health official told The Star. “Men also have a role to play in managing population growth.”

With over 270 million people, Indonesia is the fourth most populous country in the world. Officials warn that continued population growth could strain resources, from healthcare to education and employment.

While some have praised the initiative as progressive, others have raised concerns about potential social pressure and the need for proper counselling to ensure informed consent. Authorities say all participants will receive thorough medical guidance before proceeding.

The program is currently being rolled out in selected areas and could expand if deemed effective.