JAKARTA, Indonesia — An unusual case of impersonation aboard a domestic flight has drawn national attention in Indonesia after a young passenger admitted disguising herself as airline cabin crew, prompting renewed scrutiny of airport screening procedures.
Khairun Nisya, 23, from Palembang, was detained by Aviation Security officers after landing at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport on January 6, 2026. She had traveled on Batik Air flight ID 7058 from Palembang to Jakarta while wearing a full flight attendant uniform, complete with airline-style attributes and an identification card later suspected to be fake.
How She Was Able to Board
Airport authorities in Palembang confirmed that Nisya departed through standard passenger screening channels. According to Ahmad Syaugi Shahab, General Manager of Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II Airport, all required procedures were followed.
“We ensure that all service and security processes were carried out in accordance with established standard operating procedures,” Shahab said in a written statement released on January 8, 2026.
Despite wearing attire resembling airline crew, Nisya processed her departure as a regular passenger. Aviation Security personnel verified her boarding pass, conducted routine screening of her person and belongings, and found no prohibited items. Her travel documents were valid, and she was permitted to board the aircraft.
Disguise Uncovered Onboard
Authorities said the impersonation was detected during the flight when actual cabin crew questioned Nisya about her assigned duties. They noticed discrepancies in her uniform pattern and found that the identification card she carried did not match official airline credentials.
Upon arrival in Jakarta, Aviation Security officers escorted her from the aircraft for further questioning. Officials later confirmed that Nisya posed no threat to flight safety and did not attempt to access restricted areas.
A Personal Admission and Apology
In a recorded statement, Nisya openly acknowledged her actions and apologized to the airline.
“My name is Khairun Nisya. I am 23 years old, from Palembang. It is true that I flew on Batik Air flight ID 7058 on January 6, 2026, wearing a flight attendant uniform and attributes,” she said. “I am not a Batik Air cabin crew member. I sincerely apologize to Batik Air and Lion Group.”
Police later revealed that Nisya had previously failed to secure employment as a flight attendant. Out of embarrassment, she reportedly told her family that she had been accepted, using the uniform to support that claim.
She has since apologized to Lion Group and Batik Air, and cooperated with investigators.
Procedure Followed, Perception Tested
Officials emphasized that no breach of security systems occurred. Nisya boarded the aircraft as a ticketed passenger, and all screening processes focused on documentation and prohibited items were followed.
The incident, however, highlights how aviation security relies not only on technology and procedure, but also on human judgment. While uniforms confer no official authority, visual cues can momentarily shape assumptions within complex operational environments.
For travelers moving through Indonesia’s aviation network — including Bali’s international gateways — the case serves as a reminder that layered security ultimately depends on verification, coordination, and vigilance at every stage of travel.
