Indonesian Authorities Arrest Pakistani Nationals for Illegal Mosque Fundraising
Indonesia’s immigration authorities have detained two Pakistani citizens in Bandarlampung for allegedly soliciting donations from local mosques under false pretenses. The arrests highlight growing concerns over unauthorized fundraising activities and potential misuse of funds within the country.
The Class I TPI Bandarlampung Immigration Office took the two men into custody on Monday, July 7, 2025, following reports of suspicious activity throughout the city. According to a statement released by the office, the individuals were raising funds by claiming the money was intended for their home country.
Investigation Underway into Motives and Networks
Immigration officials are currently investigating the full extent of the operation, including the men’s motives and whether they were part of a larger network. A senior official stated that the Pakistanis arrived in Lampung province in June 2025, having previously been based in Jakarta.
“They came to Bandarlampung, soliciting donations from mosque to mosque,” the official explained. “They claimed the funds were intended for their home country.”
Preliminary investigations revealed that the men entered Indonesia on business visas, which are not authorized for fundraising activities. Furthermore, authorities have been unable to identify any local sponsor or guarantor for the pair.
“During the investigation, no one has claimed to be a sponsor. They came alone, and there is no representative who is responsible,” the official added.
Modest Funds Collected, Potential for Wider Impact
Intelligence records indicate the two men collected approximately Rp3 million (roughly US$184.52) before their arrest. While no reports of financial losses have been filed by the public, authorities are concerned about the potential for larger-scale fraud.
The immigration office confirmed that the men are facing deportation for violating the terms of their stay permits. “The visas used were not appropriate; they used business visas, yet engaged in fundraising,” the official stated. “Therefore, we will take action in accordance with immigration provisions if these violations are proven.”
Public Urged to Report Suspicious Activity
Indonesian authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any instances of foreign nationals soliciting funds without proper identification or authorization.
“If foreigners are seen asking for donations without valid documents or a clear sponsor, it is crucial to report them at once to prevent financial losses within the community,” the official emphasized.
This case follows similar recent actions by Indonesian immigration authorities, including the deportation of four Filipinos after a breach in Papua, a Malaysian citizen in Banda Aceh for overstaying a visa, and two Chinese nationals involved in a fake investor scam. These incidents underscore the government’s commitment to enforcing immigration laws and protecting the public from fraudulent activities.
