BALINEWSID.COM, ATAMBUA — An immigration officer with the Belu Class II Immigration Office, Manuel Luis Alex Tilman, was allegedly assaulted after carrying out immigration checks at the Motaain State Border Crossing (PLBN) in Belu Regency, East Nusa Tenggara.

The alleged assault was reportedly triggered by the dissatisfaction of an Indonesian citizen who had earlier been refused permission to cross into Timor-Leste after failing to present a valid passport.

The incident allegedly occurred at the officer’s residence in the Haliulun area of Atambua at around 5:30 p.m. local time on Monday, September 14, 2026.

Earlier that day, Manuel had been assigned to conduct immigration inspections at the Motaain border post. During the inspection, a traveler seeking to cross into Timor-Leste reportedly failed to show a passport.

The officer subsequently instructed the traveler not to proceed and to return because he did not have the required travel document.

After completing his duty, Manuel returned home. According to his statement to police, the same individual allegedly came to his residence and attacked him on the front terrace.

The officer reportedly sustained injuries to several parts of his body, including his right temple, nose, lips and leg.

Manuel then attempted to go to the Belu Police Resort to report the incident. However, before he could leave, he was allegedly assaulted again.

His mother, who attempted to intervene, was also allegedly subjected to violence and suffered an injury to her lip.

The victim also told police that the alleged perpetrator subsequently returned to the house, took a knife and threatened him with further consequences if he reported the incident to the police.

Fearing for his safety, Manuel took shelter inside the house before eventually leaving for the Belu Police Resort together with his mother.

The two were subsequently directed by police to undergo medical examinations and forensic examinations at the Regional General Hospital (RSUD). After completing the examinations, they returned to the Belu Police Resort to provide further statements concerning the alleged assault.

As of 7:37 p.m. local time, Manuel and his mother were still giving statements at the Integrated Police Service Center (SPKT) of the Belu Police Resort.

Belu Immigration Office Head Jusup Pehulisa Ginting expressed regret over the incident. He stressed that immigration officers are required to carry out inspections professionally and in accordance with applicable regulations.

“We deeply regret this incident. Our officer was carrying out his duties and responsibilities in accordance with the applicable regulations governing immigration inspections. If anyone is dissatisfied with the implementation of immigration procedures, there are proper mechanisms available to address such concerns through lawful means, rather than through violence,” Jusup said.

He said the Belu Immigration Office respects the ongoing legal process and would leave the handling of the alleged criminal act to law enforcement authorities.

“We respect the entire legal process currently underway and will follow and support every stage in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations. We will also ensure that the rights of our officer, both as a citizen and as a state official carrying out his duties, are respected and protected within the framework of the law,” he said.

Jusup also appealed to all parties to resolve disputes through established legal mechanisms and refrain from actions that could endanger the safety and security of immigration officers.

Despite the incident, the Belu Immigration Office said it remains committed to providing public services.

The office said it would continue to serve the community through its PRIMA service principles—professional, responsive, integrity-based, accessible and accountable—while upholding applicable laws and regulations.