BALINEWSID.COM, ATAMBUA — The Atambua Class II Immigration Office has taken administrative immigration action by detaining several Chinese nationals following the discovery of discrepancies in their travel documents, passenger manifest and activities in Atapupu, Belu Regency. August 23, 2026.

The detention was carried out after immigration officers conducted field monitoring and found several irregularities involving the foreigners’ movements and travel arrangements.

According to the Atambua Immigration Office, officers identified at least four major discrepancies.

First, the Chinese nationals claimed they intended to go fishing in Lirang, Maluku. However, the fishing equipment they carried was considered inconsistent with what would normally be used for an offshore fishing trip.

Second, the foreigners were reportedly carrying only around Rp4 million in cash. Immigration officials considered the amount unusual for covering the operational costs of a long-distance speedboat journey from Lombok to Maluku.

Third, their names were reportedly not listed on the official passenger manifest of the speedboat they were traveling on.

Fourth, the vessel was allegedly operating outside its authorized route. Based on its Sailing Permit (SIB), the speedboat was supposed to travel from Lombok to Sape Island. However, it was detected in Atapupu without a valid sailing permit authorizing the route.

Based on these findings, immigration officials considered the presence and activities of the Chinese nationals potentially disruptive to public security and order and suspected them of violating immigration regulations.

The foreigners were subsequently placed in the Immigration Detention Room for further examination. The action was taken pursuant to Article 75 paragraph (1) of Law No. 6 of 2011 on Immigration, as most recently amended by Law No. 63 of 2024.

The Atambua Immigration Office said the detention was part of its immigration supervision and law enforcement duties to safeguard Indonesia’s sovereignty, security and public order.

The office also urged members of the public and transportation service providers to comply with applicable regulations and ensure that all activities involving foreign nationals are conducted legally.

The further handling of the case, the office said, will be carried out professionally, objectively and transparently in accordance with the law.