Indonesian woman impersonates Batik Air cabin crew, boards Palembang–Jakarta flight undetected

INDONESIA: A 23-year-old woman caused a security scare after impersonating a Batik Air flight attendant and boarding a flight from Palembang to Jakarta, Indonesian media reported.

According to Kompas, the ruse was uncovered when cabin crew grew suspicious of the woman’s responses, which did not align with the standard operating procedures expected of trained flight attendants.

Fake uniform and ID used

The woman, identified as Khairun Nisa, also known as Nisya, is believed to be from Palembang in South Sumatra.

The incident occurred on Tuesday (6 Jan), when she boarded the aircraft wearing a Batik Air cabin crew uniform, carrying a crew suitcase and a falsified identification card resembling the airline’s official ID.

Despite the disguise, Nisya reportedly accessed the aircraft using a valid passenger ticket, rather than authorised crew credentials.

Questioned after landing in Jakarta

Concerns escalated when she interacted with legitimate crew members and failed to provide convincing answers to basic questions about cabin crew responsibilities.

She was questioned shortly after the aircraft landed in Jakarta.

Videos circulating on social media show Nisya dressed in a white kebaya paired with a batik skirt, her hair styled in a traditional bun, and holding what appeared to be a counterfeit airline identification card.

Online reactions and public apology

The incident drew widespread attention online, with social media users likening the impersonation to scenes from the film Catch Me If You Can, which portrays elaborate identity fraud schemes.

The comparisons emerged alongside broader debates over aviation security and airport access controls.

In a public statement shared on social media, Nisya admitted to impersonating a flight attendant and apologised to Batik Air and the public.

“I boarded the Batik Air flight on the Palembang–Jakarta route ID 70-508 while wearing cabin crew attire and equipment,” she said in a video that later went viral.

She added that her family had been unaware of the impersonation.

Investigation expected

Batik Air has not issued an official statement on the incident.

However, aviation security observers and social media users have raised concerns about security lapses that allowed an unauthorised individual to impersonate cabin crew and board a commercial flight.

Authorities are expected to investigate how the woman was able to pass through security screening and whether negligence by any parties contributed to the breach.

The incident has renewed calls for stricter identity verification procedures within the aviation industry, underscoring their importance not only for passenger safety but also for maintaining the integrity of airline professions.