Indonesia expands automated immigration gates nationwide

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia's Directorate General of Immigration has deployed 306 automated immigration gates at airports and seaports nationwide, aiming to speed passenger processing, improve transparency and reduce opportunities for corruption.

According to Immigration Director General Hendarsam Marantoko, the autogate system is designed to provide faster and more efficient border-crossing services for travelers.

"Under the spirit of Immigration for the People, autogates demonstrate transparent services, free from illegal levies, while providing maximum convenience for citizens and international travelers entering Indonesia," Hendarsam said on Friday.

He said the automated system eliminates manual document handovers between travelers and officers, reducing the risk of illegal fees at immigration checkpoints.

"The passport and biometric scanning process is fully automated, allowing immigration clearance to be completed in about 15 to 20 seconds per traveler," he said.

Of the 306 autogates currently in operation, 288 are installed at airport checkpoints and 18 at seaport immigration facilities across 11 entry points.

Hendarsam welcomed recent praise from Indonesia's Ombudsman during an inspection of immigration services at Batam Center Ferry Terminal in the Riau Islands on Thursday.

During the visit, the Ombudsman said additional autogates at Batam Center International Terminal would help reduce passenger congestion and improve immigration services at one of Indonesia's key international gateways.

Responding to the assessment, Hendarsam said improved infrastructure also helps minimize the risk of misconduct and abuse of authority by individual officers.

He added that the autogate system is integrated directly with national watchlist databases and Interpol records to strengthen border security.

The technology uses facial recognition to verify travel documents instantly and automatically blocks travelers listed on watchlists or those with criminal records.

"Public preference for automated services continues to increase. Autogate usage now accounts for about 63 to 64 percent of all travelers passing through major immigration checkpoints," he said.

He added that modernization efforts would help maintain service quality as international passenger traffic continues to rise steadily each year.

The Directorate General of Immigration plans to install additional autogates at airports and seaports across Indonesia in 2026 to accommodate growing travel demand and further improve border processing efficiency.

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Translator: Laily R, Rahmad Nasution

Editor: Martha Herlinawati Simanjuntak

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