Two British tourists, Benjamin James Lovell and Benjamin Thomas Sloan, were deported from Indonesia after participating in a motorcycle taxi drivers’ protest in Jakarta.
The protest, held on August 29, 2024, involved over 1,000 online motorcycle taxi drivers, or “ojol,” speaking out against low wages and allegedly unfair practices by ride-hailing companies.
Lovell and Sloan reportedly joined the protest “as a joke,” marching alongside local drivers, chanting slogans, and wearing green uniforms associated with the riders, as seen in the video.
However, Indonesian authorities detained the pair, stating that their actions breached immigration laws.
Immigration Laws Breached
According to Ronald Arman Abdullah, Head of the Central Jakarta Immigration Office, the two were seen giving speeches during the demonstration near the Horse Statue at Monas, a notable landmark in Jakarta.
“I directed the team to take action and detain them. They were subsequently brought to the office for further investigation,” he said in a statement reported by the Jakarta Globe.
Authorities determined that the two tourists, who were in Indonesia on tourist visas, violated Article 75 of Law No. 6 of 2011 on Immigration, which prohibits foreigners from participating in protests.
They were reportedly held for six days before being deported on September 4, 2024, at their own expense.
Immigration Take Action
Silmy Karim, Director General of Immigration at the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, emphasized the importance of adhering to local laws. “Protest areas are restricted for foreigners,” he stated, as reported by the Daily Mail.
He commended the Central Jakarta Immigration Office for its prompt action, adding that immigration officers across the country continue to monitor similar activities to prevent further violations.
In addition to being deported, Lovell and Sloan were also given a travel ban, preventing them from re-entering Indonesia.
“Ojol” Protest Background
The protest that Lovell and Sloan joined was part of a nationwide demonstration by motorcycle taxi drivers demanding fair wages and improved protections.
Ojol services are a critical part of Indonesia’s transport system, but many drivers have raised concerns over low earnings due to high commission rates imposed by ride-hailing companies.
The situation not only shed light on the drivers’ grievances but also on Indonesia’s strict enforcement of immigration rules for foreign visitors.
Tourists are reminded to familiarize themselves with local regulations to avoid similar incidents.
Watch the video here:
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