TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Indonesia's Foreign Ministry said it is coordinating with South Korean authorities after an Indonesian tourist allegedly left a tour group while visiting South Korea, raising concerns over a possible immigration violation.
The ministry, through the Indonesian Embassy in Seoul, is monitoring the case involving an Indonesian national from Madiun, East Java.
"The Indonesian Embassy in Seoul has received updated information regarding the individual's whereabouts. We are coordinating with the relevant authorities for further handling," Heni Hamidah, Director for the Protection of Indonesian Citizens and Legal Entities Abroad at the Foreign Ministry, said in Jakarta, as quoted by Antara.
Suspected Overstay
Heni said the individual is suspected of violating South Korea's immigration regulations by overstaying after leaving the tour group.
She added that the ministry would continue coordinating with South Korean authorities while working to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Heni also expressed regret over the alleged misuse of South Korea's group tourism facilities, saying such actions violate the host country's immigration rules.
The Foreign Ministry reminded Indonesian travelers that South Korea's temporary visa exemption program for Indonesian tour groups remains valid only until December 2026 and allows stays of up to 15 days. It urged Indonesians visiting the country to comply with all applicable immigration regulations.
Tour Agency Fined
The case gained public attention after the Threads account @sarjanabackpacker claimed that an Indonesian tourist identified only by the initial F disappeared during a group tour in South Korea.
According to the post, F told fellow travelers that they wanted to browse for shoes in Seoul's Myeongdong shopping district before failing to return to the group. The account said there had been no indication that F intended to leave.
The travel agency involved said the incident damaged its reputation and resulted in a Rp125 million (around US$7,700) fine.
South Korea introduced a temporary visa-free entry program for Indonesian group tourists in May 2026. Under the policy, groups of at least three Indonesian travelers can enter South Korea without a visa for up to 15 days between May 28 and the end of December 2026.
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