Six Indonesian men have been jailed and caned in Singapore for attempting to re-enter the country illegally on a sinking sampan. The group, led by 23-year-old Asrarudin, was caught by Singapore’s Police Coast Guard after their vessel capsized near Tanah Merah.
Immediate Action & Core Facts
On January 26, 2026, the six men—Asrarudin, Brick (28), Hardi (25), Ismaun (27), M Amrin (24), and Muamar Iman (29)—were sentenced to jail terms ranging from one year to one year and nine months, along with four to 10 strokes of the cane. They pleaded guilty to charges of illegal entry and unlawful return after prior deportation.
The group’s plan began in November 2025 when Asrarudin, while in Batam, recruited others to enter Singapore illegally for work. They purchased a sampan for 15 million rupiah (US$900) and set off on December 20, 2025, with Asrarudin steering despite lacking experience.
Deeper Dive & Context
Failed Crossing and Arrest
The men’s journey took several hours due to harsh sea conditions and Asrarudin’s inexperience. Around 12:40 AM on December 21, 2025, Singapore’s Police Coast Guard spotted the sampan and pursued it. Asrarudin attempted to evade authorities but the vessel sank, prompting a rescue operation.
Sentencing Details
Brick, a repeat offender, received the heaviest sentence of nearly two years. Asrarudin, as the leader, also faced a stricter penalty. The other four men received jail terms and caning proportional to their roles.
Broader Implications
This case highlights ongoing challenges in cross-border illegal migration between Indonesia and Singapore. Authorities in both countries have previously emphasized strict enforcement of immigration laws, though human rights groups occasionally criticize the use of caning as a punishment.
Singapore’s Ministry of Home Affairs has not issued a statement on the case, but past incidents suggest a consistent approach to deterring illegal re-entry attempts. Meanwhile, Indonesian officials have not publicly commented on the sentences.