Digital content creator Naomi Kuria and her close friend and fellow creator Diana Daisy were briefly detained by immigration authorities in Jakarta, Indonesia, in an unexpected turn of events.
What began as a routine international trip quickly took a stressful turn for the two influencers after they landed at Jakarta’s international airport on Monday.
According to Kuria’s own account shared on social media, the pair had done everything required under Indonesian immigration rules, including applying for visas on arrival, filling in entry cards, submitting return flight information, and showing proof of accommodation arrangements.
But shortly after presenting their paperwork, officials requested that they accompany them for further processing, and they were taken aside by immigration officers.
Naomi Kuria, whose content reaches hundreds of thousands of followers on platforms like Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, expressed her anxiety in a video posted to her Instagram stories.
She described being “held at Jakarta immigration” despite having complied with all travel procedures, and admitted that the experience was unsettling and frightening.
“We have been held at Jakarta immigration after providing everything — our tickets, visas, hotel booking, and return ticket … then the guy is like, ‘Can you come with me?’ Then tuko hapa,” she said, clearly shaken in the clip.
Immigration procedures at international airports, including in Indonesia, involve multiple layers of verification.
Travelers must satisfy entry requirements like valid travel documents, proof of accommodation, onward travel plans and paid visa fees.
But if an immigration officer has questions or wants to verify information more closely, officials may temporarily detain travelers for further inspection or questioning.
Critically for Kuria and Daisy, the situation was resolved without major escalation. After a period of detention and review, both were released from the immigration office and allowed to continue their stay in Indonesia.
“Hours later, we are free. Let’s explore the world, my love,” Naomi shared on her Instagram.