In a strategic move to fortify national security and bolster the country’s defense against transnational crime, the Indonesian National Police (Polri) has officially launched the Interpol Global Hit Alert System, known as I-GHAS 24/7. The platform, introduced during a formal ceremony at the Rupatama Building, National Police Headquarters in Jakarta on Thursday (November 6), marks a significant milestone in the digital transformation of Indonesia’s border management. Spearheaded by Chief of National Police General Suyudi Ario Seto, the initiative represents a high-level collaboration with the Directorate General of Immigration to create a seamless, real-time mechanism for identifying international fugitives attempting to enter or exit the country.
The event, which was attended by the Head of the International Relations Division (Hubinter) of the National Police, Inspector General Untung Widyatmoko, and the Director General of Immigration, Hendarsam Marantoko, underscores the urgency of integrating law enforcement databases with border control checkpoints. As globalization increases the mobility of criminal networks, the ability to verify identities instantaneously at immigration counters has become a top priority for the Indonesian government.
The Mechanism of I-GHAS 24/7
At its core, I-GHAS 24/7 serves as a high-speed bridge between frontline immigration officers and the global reach of Interpol, which encompasses 196 member countries. Before the implementation of this system, data verification often involved manual checks or slower reporting channels that could create windows of opportunity for suspects to slip through border controls.
With this new system, when a traveler’s passport or identification is scanned at a port of entry, the data is automatically cross-referenced against Interpol’s vast repository of "Red Notices" and "Blue Notices." If a match occurs—a "hit"—the system provides an immediate alert to both immigration officials and the National Police’s International Relations Division. This allows for a synchronized response, enabling officers to detain individuals suspected of involvement in transnational crimes, including human trafficking, drug smuggling, and terrorism, before they can navigate past the terminal.
Chronology and Operational Context
The launch of I-GHAS 24/7 is the culmination of several months of inter-agency coordination aimed at closing the "data gap" that has historically challenged border security. The project was initiated following a series of successful, albeit labor-intensive, operations conducted throughout 2024.
Key events leading up to this deployment include:
- Early 2024: National Police and Immigration identified the need for a more robust, real-time alert system following several high-profile interceptions of fugitives at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport.
- Mid-2024: A task force was established to integrate the National Police’s Hubinter database with the Directorate General of Immigration’s border management systems.
- Late Q3 2024: Pilot testing of the I-GHAS system was conducted at major international entry points, including Jakarta, Bali, and Batam, to ensure system stability and inter-operability.
- November 6, 2024: Official launch of the system at the National Police Headquarters, signaling a transition from manual reporting to automated, 24/7 digital surveillance.
General Suyudi Ario Seto emphasized that the system is not merely a tool for apprehension but a foundational element for future intelligence-led policing. "This is a collaborative breakthrough. We are moving toward a future where our border security is defined by technology that is faster, more precise, and highly integrated," he stated during the launch.
Supporting Data and Strategic Rationale
The necessity for such a system is backed by recent operational successes that have highlighted the vulnerabilities in previous systems. The National Police have successfully executed several complex operations that relied heavily on international cooperation, including the dismantling of human trafficking syndicates at Soekarno-Hatta Airport and the seizure of 1.6 tons of ketamine.
Furthermore, the discovery of clandestine laboratories for illicit substances has demonstrated that international criminal syndicates are increasingly using Indonesia as both a transit point and a production hub. By implementing I-GHAS 24/7, the government aims to reduce the "reaction time" between an alert and an arrest. In the context of global crime, where seconds matter, the integration of 196 countries’ worth of data directly into the hands of an immigration officer is expected to significantly reduce the number of "successful escapes" by wanted individuals.
Future Development: AI and Biometrics
The current launch is only the first phase of a broader technological roadmap. General Suyudi revealed that by 2027, the I-GHAS system is slated for a significant upgrade that will incorporate Artificial Intelligence (AI) and advanced biometric data integration.
The move toward AI-driven surveillance will allow the system to identify patterns and anomalies that human operators might miss, such as the use of fraudulent documents or suspicious travel patterns. Biometric integration—linking facial recognition and fingerprint data directly to Interpol’s international database—will provide a secondary layer of authentication that is far more reliable than standard passport scans, which can be compromised by counterfeit travel documents.
Perspectives from Stakeholders
Director General of Immigration Hendarsam Marantoko highlighted the importance of this integration from an administrative and functional standpoint. According to Marantoko, the synergy between the two agencies is essential for the effective management of national borders. "Our common goal is simple: Immigration for the people, and the police for the community. By aligning our doctrines and digital infrastructure, we are creating a more secure environment for the nation," he remarked.
Security analysts have noted that the success of I-GHAS 24/7 will depend heavily on the continuous maintenance of the system and the rigorous training of personnel. As the system rolls out, the "human factor"—the ability of frontline officers to interpret alerts correctly and respond within the legal framework—will remain a critical component of the system’s efficacy.
Broader Implications for National Security
The implementation of I-GHAS 24/7 has several far-reaching implications for Indonesia’s standing in the international law enforcement community:
- Enhanced Global Reputation: By demonstrating a commitment to high-tech border security, Indonesia aligns itself more closely with global standards set by Interpol, likely leading to increased intelligence sharing from other member states.
- Deterrence Effect: The knowledge that Indonesia now utilizes a 24/7 global alert system is expected to serve as a deterrent to international criminals who may have previously viewed the country as a "soft target" due to fragmented border monitoring.
- Efficiency in Resource Allocation: By automating the identification process, the National Police can allocate human resources more effectively, moving away from manual data checks toward tactical intervention and investigation.
- Sovereignty and Public Safety: Ultimately, the system serves the state’s interest in maintaining sovereignty by ensuring that those who violate the laws of other nations—and pose a threat to global stability—are not granted safe harbor within Indonesian borders.
As the National Police and the Directorate General of Immigration move forward with this project, the focus will shift to scaling the technology to smaller ports and regional airports. The success of the system will be monitored closely by international observers, as it represents a model of how emerging economies can leverage global digital partnerships to address localized security challenges.
In his closing remarks, General Suyudi called upon all departmental heads to ensure the highest level of personnel readiness. The technology, he noted, is only as effective as the officers who operate it. As the system goes live across the archipelago, the Indonesian government appears set to enter a new era of proactive, technology-driven border management, reinforcing the commitment to protect the nation from the increasingly complex threats of the 21st century.
