Indonesia probes Chinese diver's immigration documents

Sorong (ANTARA) - Sorong Immigration Office in Southwest Papua is examining the immigration documents of a Chinese national identified as WS, who is allegedly linked to the hunting of hawksbill turtles in Raja Ampat's marine conservation area.

Immigration Enforcement Subsection Head Galih Dwi Prawita said WS was transferred from Makassar Immigration Office to Sorong Immigration Office on Wednesday, September 16, for further questioning.

"Our next step is to examine his immigration documents. To respect his rights as a person under examination, we are waiting for his lawyer and interpreter," he said here Wednesday.

He said a full examination of WS could not yet be conducted because immigration officials were awaiting his legal counsel and interpreter.

So far, immigration officials have examined his passport and residence permit, Galih said.

The case began after Sorong Immigration Office received a letter Monday, September 14, from a Raja Ampat official concerning public reports of alleged conservation violations by WS.

Because the report involved a foreign national, officials searched the immigration system to determine WS's whereabouts and travel plans.

"The immigration system showed he was scheduled to fly to Australia that day. We then coordinated with immigration offices in Bali and Makassar," he said.

Immigration records showed WS's original route was from Sorong to Makassar, followed by Makassar to Bali and then Australia.

However, while in Makassar, WS changed his destination from Bali to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from his original itinerary.

"We coordinated with the Makassar Immigration Office to delay his departure, allowing him to be secured there," he said.

Galih said officials could not determine why WS changed his destination because he had not yet been questioned.

He said immigration records showed WS was visiting Raja Ampat for the second time. Officials had yet to determine his purpose or activities during his stay.

"We have not obtained that information because the examination has not started," he said.

From an immigration perspective, officials will assess the examination results to determine whether WS committed any immigration violations warranting further action, he said.

"We will assess the findings first. If there is an immigration violation, we may also take action," he said.

Galih said Sorong Immigration Office had previously coordinated with the Marine and Fisheries Resources Surveillance Agency (PSDKP) and Southwest Papua Police, particularly its Special Criminal Investigation Directorate, which is also investigating the alleged turtle hunt.

He said the Chinese Embassy in Jakarta had also coordinated with Sorong Immigration Office and supported the ongoing legal process. The embassy recommended that WS be accompanied by legal counsel.

Galih urged foreign tourists visiting Raja Ampat to respect local laws and regulations, particularly those protecting conservation areas.

"Raja Ampat is a world-class tourist destination. I hope all foreigners visiting Raja Ampat respect the laws and regulations in force here," he said.

He also urged tour guides not to promote spearfishing, particularly in areas designated as conservation zones.

Meanwhile, the police investigation into the alleged hawksbill turtle hunt remains underway to establish the facts based on evidence and statements from those involved.

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Translator: YuvensiusLB, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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