SERIAN – The Sarawak Immigration Department transferred 59 Indonesian nationals from the Semuja Immigration Depot to the Tebedu Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security Complex (ICQS) on Thursday as part of arrangements for their return to Indonesia.
The group comprised 34 adult men, 20 adult women and five children. Following their arrival at ICQS Tebedu, the individuals are to be handed over to the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia (KJRI) for the next stage of the repatriation process.
The transfer was carried out by road from the Semuja Immigration Depot in Serian to the border complex. Six immigration officers were assigned to escort the group during the journey as part of security and operational arrangements.
Immigration authorities said the escort was intended to ensure the movement was conducted in an orderly and controlled manner throughout the route. The operation was completed without any reported untoward incidents.
The transfer forms part of the immigration authorities’ procedures for managing individuals who are being returned to their country of origin. Once the group reaches the border facility, responsibility for the onward transfer is handled in accordance with the procedures and regulations governing repatriation.
The movement also highlights the operational role of ICQS Tebedu as a key border facility between Sarawak and Indonesia. Located in Serian Division, the complex supports immigration and other border-control functions for movements between the two countries.
For immigration authorities, the transfer of persons under their custody requires coordination between detention facilities, escort personnel and border agencies. Such movements are generally organised around security requirements and the need to maintain an orderly transition between the Malaysian authorities and representatives of the receiving country.
The presence of Indonesian consular representatives in the process provides a formal channel for coordinating the return of Indonesian nationals. Consular involvement can also support the administrative arrangements required before individuals continue their journey to their country of origin.
Sarawak shares a long land border with Indonesia, making cross-border movement a continuing operational consideration for state and federal authorities. Border facilities such as Tebedu play a central role in regulating lawful travel while supporting wider immigration and security controls.
The latest transfer involved individuals who had been held at the Semuja Immigration Depot before being moved to the border complex. The authorities did not provide further details on the individual circumstances of those in the group or the reasons for their immigration status.
The Sarawak Immigration Department said the operation reflected its continued focus on managing transferred persons in a systematic manner, while maintaining security and ensuring the smooth functioning of border-control operations.
With the group now transferred to ICQS Tebedu, the next stage involves the handover to the Indonesian consular authorities and arrangements for their return across the border, subject to the applicable procedures. The operation was reported to have concluded safely and in an orderly manner. — Sarawak Daily
