Long overstay, wanting to exit. Best course of action?

[André]

Hi, good people!

I'm a 62 year old Norwegian, with a rather unusual story, I guess. I have a 5 year overstay hanging over me, because of several incidents. Long story short, from an abandoned attempt to marry, subsequently losing my savings to a woman who just moved and blocked me, to covid lockdown, and I've been struggling to get home since, saving up for a ticket. Finally made that, and here is my questions and concerns:

What is my best course of action now?
My take: Buying my ticket home, taking a taxi straight to Kualanamu Airport in Medan, and surrender to immigration there, with ticket in hand. I know I will be grilled, questioned, and will be going through an uncomfortable few hours. My hope is that I will consequently be able to board my plane out of Indonesia, and finally get home. Maybe best to get to the airport for surrendering one day ahead?

What I don't need and want, is having to spend time in detention, being a news case all over Indonesia, and subsequently losing my tickets, waiting for the official deportation statement and documents.Which might take days, I understand.

Does anyone have a recent experience in this matter? I have read a case or two here, but those were from many years ago. We all know that things might change. I did ask my embassy in Jakarta for advice, they said I should rather turn myself in to immigration in Medan before buying a ticket. And then be getting through all of the above, I fear. My anxiety isn't at its best either, so I was hoping to avoid that. I mean, several days in jail, waiting to get the official deportation papers, and all that.

With a ticket in hand, showing up at the airport, surrendering to immigration there, is that a good course of action? What are my chances to get through that way? I'm a polite and respectful person, and certainly have remorse. I do love Indonesia, but know I have burnt all my bridges here.

I have proof that I have been supporting myself, and not been working here. So I don't understand why this shouldn't be straight forward. I am prepared to get a stamp with a ban for life from entering Indonesia again. That's fine, I have no intention of ever coming back. I have done nothing else wrong here, just been hiding out very carefully, so I haven't been caught.

I hope for an advice on this forum, maybe from someone with similar experience, because I'm very unsure what to do next.
I do know from research that in Thailand you are 100% sure to get through this way if you surrender at the airport, paying an overstay fine of maximum 20.000 baht (and you will get a ban). But this is Indonesia, and things are different here. No fine after 60 days, but being banned from entering instead, for a certain period of time. I guess my 5 years overstay would qualify for a maximum ban, maybe for life.
Thank you in advance.

Btw, please no lecture. This has been hard enough as it is. Depression, anxiety. I even thought about ending it all. Thanks, guys.

André

 

[gemima]

Hi there.
I do not have previous experience of this but here is what I would do if I was in your shoes.

I would not buy a ticket. I would present myself to Immigration and explain myself to them. They will not mistreat you. They may not even detain you while they sort this out (you aren't exactly a flight risk).
Show them how much money you have - which is just enough to pay for a flight home. Wait a few days for them to get the deportation arrangements and book your ticket when it matches with their schedule.

I know you are hoping that they will just let you go - but its not guaranteed to happen like that and then you will lose the ticket which seems like a lot of your money gone.

Stop overthinking it - just sort out your affairs, pack your bags and go to immigration. They will take it from there. You will end up with a ban on returning to indonesia but you will be able to finally go home.

Good luck.

 

[Shadrach]

Hi there.
I do not have previous experience of this but here is what I would do if I was in your shoes.

I would not buy a ticket. I would present myself to Immigration and explain myself to them. They will not mistreat you. They may not even detain you while they sort this out (you aren't exactly a flight risk).
Show them how much money you have - which is just enough to pay for a flight home. Wait a few days for them to get the deportation arrangements and book your ticket when it matches with their schedule.

I know you are hoping that they will just let you go - but its not guaranteed to happen like that and then you will lose the ticket which seems like a lot of your money gone.

Stop overthinking it - just sort out your affairs, pack your bags and go to immigration. They will take it from there. You will end up with a ban on returning to indonesia but you will be able to finally go home.

Good luck.

That other person was right in saying don't buy a ticket yet. Definitely go to Immigration, and be prepared for a hard time, maybe even Jail, for a while. Good Luck, and if possible, let us know what Happens.

 

[André]

Thank you for your replies.
Probably best advice, but I will still wait to see if someone in this thread has a recent experience.

But so far, I think I'm leaning to your suggestion. Yes, I agree, I'm probably overthinking it.

Just one question, do you guys think I should surrender at immigration at the airport (Kualanamu has an office obviously), and wait for papers of deportation there, or in the city of Medan? Or doesn't that make any difference? Maybe it's a shorter wait if I'm at the airport already? Do they have detention cells there?
Sorry for asking again

Thanks, guys

 

[Bad_azz]

Thank you for your replies.
Probably best advice, but I will still wait to see if someone in this thread has a recent experience.

But so far, I think I'm leaning to your suggestion. Yes, I agree, I'm probably overthinking it.

Just one question, do you guys think I should surrender at immigration at the airport (Kualanamu has an office obviously), and wait for papers of deportation there, or in the city of Medan? Or doesn't that make any difference? Maybe it's a shorter wait if I'm at the airport already? Do they have detention cells there?
Sorry for asking again

Thanks, guys

Here's what I would do ... (sorry not been in that position) I'd surrender at the place which has a better selection of food- probably at the airport because from what I know of prisons here (not so sure about detention places) the inmates are allowed to have food brought in.
Go prepared to be detained with enough cash around to be able to pay for food & cold drinks, toothpaste, toothbrush etc.
Also, be careful of oversharing with them, only answer the questions asked.
Don't volunteer little details.
Don't volunteer details of mental health problems- Indonesia is less than well-equipped to deal with them.
*Do you still feel suicidal? I truly hope not, but if you do not, it maybe best not to mention it or they might have some form of suicide watch put in place for you.
What Gemima said is good common sense.
Do you have a friend who can be nearby to visit you at either place?
Best of luck with everything.

 

[Bad_azz]

Oh, I was just doing a Google... it looks like they are constructing a new place at the airport... they may not have a suitable place just now.

Kadivmin Kanwil Kemenkumham Sumut Monitoring Progres Pembangunan Rudenim Medan

Berita seputar Kantor Wilayah Kementerian Hukum Republik Indonesia

sumut.kemenkum.go.id

 

[André]

Thank you for this caring reply!
No, I'm really looking forward to leave now, so I'm just happy to finally continue with my life as a retiree. I will retire after this, and I will definitely find joy in that. With my pension I will live very well, I guess Thailand will be my next destination.

My dark clouds were at its worst when I didn't see any solution to this, it has been 5 years, and I felt like an idiot. But now it's all good, thank you.

I think I will go straight to the airport, as you suggested. Without a ticket. They have great restaurants there, so I might have easy access to those. Money is no problem this time.

I won't share anything that isn't of any of their concern. No worries.
Thanks again

 

[André]

Oh, I was just doing a Google... it looks like they are constructing a new place at the airport... they may not have a suitable place just now.

Kadivmin Kanwil Kemenkumham Sumut Monitoring Progres Pembangunan Rudenim Medan

Berita seputar Kantor Wilayah Kementerian Hukum Republik Indonesia

sumut.kemenkum.go.id

Oh, wow.. What does that mean? Don't they have immigration or flights there anymore?

 

[Bad_azz]

Thank you for this caring reply!
No, I'm really looking forward to leave now, so I'm just happy to finally continue with my life as a retiree. I will retire after this, and I will definitely find joy in that. With my pension I will live very well, I guess Thailand will be my next destination.

My dark clouds were at its worst when I didn't see any solution to this, it has been 5 years, and I felt like an idiot. But now it's all good, thank you.

I think I will go straight to the airport, as you suggested. Without a ticket. They have great restaurants there, so I might have easy access to those. Money is no problem this time.

I won't share anything that isn't of any of their concern. No worries.
Thanks again

I hope everything goes well for you and that you continue to enjoy good mental health. Take care.

 

[Bad_azz]

Oh, wow.. What does that mean? Don't they have immigration or flights there anymore?

I just worked from the translation that they are building a new detention centre at the airport- they may have an existing place, or may not have one at all- you could find out somehow, via a proxy

 

[Shadrach]

Here's what I would do ... (sorry not been in that position) I'd surrender at the place which has a better selection of food- probably at the airport because from what I know of prisons here (not so sure about detention places) the inmates are allowed to have food brought in.
Go prepared to be detained with enough cash around to be able to pay for food & cold drinks, toothpaste, toothbrush etc.
Also, be careful of oversharing with them, only answer the questions asked.
Don't volunteer little details.
Don't volunteer details of mental health problems- Indonesia is less than well-equipped to deal with them.
*Do you still feel suicidal? I truly hope not, but if you do not, it maybe best not to mention it or they might have some form of suicide watch put in place for you.
What Gemima said is good common sense.
Do you have a friend who can be nearby to visit you at either place?
Best of luck with everything.

That's a good point about the food situation. i forgot that if you want to eat well, someone has to bring it to you. I doubt the airport has a holding facility that will hold a person for an extended time, maybe. All good points about not sharing too much information. You had better get in touch with People back in your home country, and your Embassy also, before you turn yourself in. You never know what is coming. Good luck!
P.S. I don't think, if you turn yourself in at the airport, that you'll be able to go to restaurants after they start the process. Maybe though, if you give some bribe, a immigration officer will go buy you good food.

 

[Bad_azz]

Just for clarification rudenim- ruang detensi imigrasi

 

[André]

I just worked from the translation that they are building a new detention centre at the airport- they may have an existing place, or may not have one at all- you could find out somehow, via a proxy

Okey, thank you! My Indonesian is non-existent

 

[Bad_azz]

Okey, thank you! My Indonesian is non-existent

Ah ok- then if that is the case & you have a phone download chat gpt and use it to help with your translations with the immigration people. That way you can be much more confident of understanding the requirements and what will be happening to you.
Or you could find a human rights lawyer to help , assuming you have enough money for one.

 

[Bad_azz]

@atlantis you might not have had time to see this- I hope you will read it and give some input or advice.

 

[André]

Ah ok- then if that is the case & you have a phone download chat gpt and use it to help with your translations with the immigration people. That way you can be much more confident of understanding the requirements and what will be happening to you.
Or you could find a human rights lawyer to help , assuming you have enough money for one.

I have used an app so far for some conversations, so yes, I'll do that. I do know some very few phrases and words, but that's it for me. Since I knew I won't be back here already when covid happened, I haven't really had the interest of learning the language.

Thanks again all of you for these respectful replies. Much appreciated

 

[pantaiema]

Hi, good people!

I'm a 62 year old Norwegian, with a rather unusual story, I guess. I have a 5 year overstay hanging over me, because of several incidents. Long story short, from an abandoned attempt to marry, subsequently losing my savings to a woman who just moved and blocked me, to covid lockdown, and I've been struggling to get home since, saving up for a ticket. Finally made that, and here is my questions and concerns:

What is my best course of action now?
My take: Buying my ticket home, taking a taxi straight to Kualanamu Airport in Medan, and surrender to immigration there, with ticket in hand. I know I will be grilled, questioned, and will be going through an uncomfortable few hours. My hope is that I will consequently be able to board my plane out of Indonesia, and finally get home. Maybe best to get to the airport for surrendering one day ahead?

What I don't need and want, is having to spend time in detention, being a news case all over Indonesia, and subsequently losing my tickets, waiting for the official deportation statement and documents.Which might take days, I understand.

Does anyone have a recent experience in this matter? I have read a case or two here, but those were from many years ago. We all know that things might change. I did ask my embassy in Jakarta for advice, they said I should rather turn myself in to immigration in Medan before buying a ticket. And then be getting through all of the above, I fear. My anxiety isn't at its best either, so I was hoping to avoid that. I mean, several days in jail, waiting to get the official deportation papers, and all that.

With a ticket in hand, showing up at the airport, surrendering to immigration there, is that a good course of action? What are my chances to get through that way? I'm a polite and respectful person, and certainly have remorse. I do love Indonesia, but know I have burnt all my bridges here.

I have proof that I have been supporting myself, and not been working here. So I don't understand why this shouldn't be straight forward. I am prepared to get a stamp with a ban for life from entering Indonesia again. That's fine, I have no intention of ever coming back. I have done nothing else wrong here, just been hiding out very carefully, so I haven't been caught.

I hope for an advice on this forum, maybe from someone with similar experience, because I'm very unsure what to do next.
I do know from research that in Thailand you are 100% sure to get through this way if you surrender at the airport, paying an overstay fine of maximum 20.000 baht (and you will get a ban). But this is Indonesia, and things are different here. No fine after 60 days, but being banned from entering instead, for a certain period of time. I guess my 5 years overstay would qualify for a maximum ban, maybe for life.
Thank you in advance.

Btw, please no lecture. This has been hard enough as it is. Depression, anxiety. I even thought about ending it all. Thanks, guys.

André

I have come across a similar story before, not just in Indonesia but in Philippine, Thailand, etc. From what I have learned, those who have been in this situation usually come forward to Immigration, explain their circumstances. It is better if they provide any evidence showing they were deceived and left without funds. If you can prove you were a victim, it would strengthen your case.

Remember, you are not a criminal (until the case decided by the court) or a threat, but Immigration officials must enforce the law. They will likely be relieved that you are voluntarily leaving.

Typically, they will take your passport, notify your embassy, and begin the deportation process. Your embassy may assist with the arrangements. So like other people said no need to buy your ticket at this stage (see below).

As for immigration detention, I am not entirely sure. However, since they have your passport and have informed your embassy, there may be little reason to detain you, as the risk of escape (absconded) is minimal.

This is just my opinion, so proceed at your own risk of being detained. However, whether you voluntarily go to Immigration or simply show up at the airport, both scenarios carry a chance of being placed in immigration detention.

 

[André]

That's a good point about the food situation. i forgot that if you want to eat well, someone has to bring it to you. I doubt the airport has a holding facility that will hold a person for an extended time, maybe. All good points about not sharing too much information. You had better get in touch with People back in your home country, and your Embassy also, before you turn yourself in. You never know what is coming. Good luck!
P.S. I don't think, if you turn yourself in at the airport, that you'll be able to go to restaurants after they start the process. Maybe though, if you give some bribe, a immigration officer will go buy you good food.

Your last point, that's what I was thinking, to pay an officer to buy food for me. And give some money his way too, of course. I'm usually not a cheap charlie

Thank you again for your replies

 

[Bad_azz]

Your last point, that's what I was thinking, to pay an officer to buy food for me. And give some money his way too, of course. I'm usually not a cheap charlie

Thank you again for your replies

I would be very careful about bribing the immigration officers, they have been trying to clean up these services overt bribery might be seen as a bad thing. Just be respectful and humble with them.

 

[Bad_azz]

P.S. I don't think, if you turn yourself in at the airport, that you'll be able to go to restaurants after they start the process. Maybe though, if you give some bribe, a immigration officer will go buy you good food.

Sorry, I didn't mean that he would be going to restaurants but that he could send out for food via a friend or employee of the immigration centre.