Jakarta. The government has authorized immigration officers to carry firearms while on duty, following the death of an officer in the line of duty. This move comes after the House of Representatives passed an amendment to Law No. 6 of 2011 on Sept.19.

Director General of Immigration at the Law and Human Rights Ministry, Silmy Karim, explained that this new regulation is meant for immigration officers tasked with law enforcement, citing the high-risk nature of their work in overseeing and enforcing immigration laws.

"We’ve already witnessed a tragic loss," Silmy said on Sunday, referencing an incident in April 2023 when a North Jakarta Immigration officer was fatally stabbed by a foreign national trying to escape detention. The individual, involved in terrorism, was under the joint watch of the Densus 88 Anti-Terror Squad and Immigration authorities.

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Silmy emphasized that officers stationed at the country's borders also face dangerous conditions, particularly in conflict zones. They often confront transnational criminals, making firearms essential for self-defense and ensuring the capture of offenders.

In addition to protection, firearms are expected to serve as a deterrent, discouraging foreign nationals from resisting enforcement officers.

Silmy reported that immigration law enforcement has significantly improved in 2024, with enforcement actions rising by 124 percent to 3,393 from January to September compared to the same period in 2023. This increase exposes officers to greater risks due to the higher volume of operations.

“We’ve examined the practices of countries with advanced immigration systems, including Singapore, the United States, Germany, Australia, and Malaysia. Immigration officers in these nations are allowed to carry firearms, but under stringent regulations,” Silmy said.

The government is now developing a ministerial regulation to set out guidelines for firearm use by immigration officers, following an in-depth review and public consultations.

“With this new responsibility, we will establish strict criteria for officers eligible to carry firearms, as well as clear usage protocols and limitations. The firearms policy is not yet in effect, as we are waiting for the issuance of supporting regulations,” Silmy concluded.

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