BATAM, RMNEWS.ID-Although the Singaporean government has implemented a stricter security policy requiring all foreign nationals visiting Singapore to meet certain requirements, the regulation will take effect on January 30, 2026.
The policy was implemented by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) as a measure to strengthen the border control system and prevent potential security risks even before travelers arrive in Singapore.
However, this policy has drawn widespread criticism from travelers from various countries who have been denied entry to the country.
Information gathered by rmnews.id reveals that many travelers, both at the Singapore HarbourFront seaport checkpoint and through the Singapore Canggih International Airport checkpoint, have been subjected to inhumane treatment by Singapore immigration officers.
This is the experience of Anwar Ujang, a journalist working for the online media portal rmnews.id and the print media Rakyat Media. He entered Singapore on January 18, 2026, with the intention of visiting the Indonesian Embassy (KBRI) for business.
However, upon entering Singapore’s HarbourFront seaport, he was refused entry by Singapore immigration officers, claiming he was ineligible for a pass under current immigration policies.
Anwar further explained that being denied entry was not a problem for him and was commonplace. This meant that he wasn’t the only one denied entry; many travelers from various countries were denied entry to Singapore.
“For me, being denied entry is not a problem; it’s commonplace. But what I was unhappy about and deeply disappointed with was the inhumane actions of the Singapore immigration officers. I was treated like an animal. My entire body was searched, my cell phone confiscated, my wallet opened, and my bag/bag containing my clothes were all pried open, leaving only my underwear unopened. Everything else, from my shoes to my clothes and personal belongings, was searched. I was treated like an animal,” Anwar said.
Anwar explained that even though he had explained his purpose in going to Singapore and had shown his identity as a journalist, the immigration officer named Adi Samsuri did not care and treated him like a terrorist, drug lord and corruptor.
“The actions of the Singaporean Immigration officers were truly barbaric. They put me in a small 4×4 room and locked it from the outside. If you want to go to the toilet, press this door button, and we’ll unlock it,” Anwar said, imitating a Singaporean Immigration officer.
Meanwhile, the Consulate General of the Republic of Singapore in Batam, located at the Panbil Residence Serviced Apartments, through a local staff member named Irwan, when contacted on Monday (January 26, 2026), regarding the rejection, explained that it wasn’t just you who was rejected, but five to seven people could be rejected in one day. Even officials and high-ranking officials were rejected if they didn’t meet the entry permit requirements, let alone journalists, Iwan said arrogantly.
According to Iwan, many local and foreign officials who want to enter without meeting the requirements are still rejected. “Many Singaporean officials are also rejected by our Immigration Department. However, when asked about one of the Singaporean officials who was rejected by Immigration, Iwan argued, ‘Please ask Immigration, but I can say that’s a common occurrence,'” Iwan said.***
Editorial: Mawardi
