Kupang, E Nusa Tenggara (ANTARA) – Police in Indonesia’s East Nusa Tenggara Province have detained three fishermen from Southeast Sulawesi suspected of trying to smuggle five Chinese nationals to Australia by sea.
Rifai, Rote Ndao police’s criminal investigation chief, said officers from its investigation and intelligence units detained the fishermen at 8 p.m. Thursday, November 5, off Ndana Island near Oeseli village, Southwest Rote subdistrict.
“The three Indonesian fishermen are in custody along with the evidence. We are investigating their respective roles and what they have done,” he was quoted as saying in a press statement here Sunday.
The three detainees were identified by their initials as S, 52, R, 32, and RS, 36. They are fishermen from Bombana district, Southeast Sulawesi.
Police suspect the fishermen planned to take the five Chinese nationals from waters off Baubau, Southeast Sulawesi, to Australia.
Authorities are still verifying their identities, passport details and immigration documents.
Police seized Rp1.245 million (about US$69) and Rp167,000 (about US$9) in cash, allegedly belonging to suspect S, and a silver Itel A100C cellphone.
Rifai said officers were still establishing the sequence of events, the intended destination and each fisherman’s role to determine whether people-smuggling offenses had occurred.
Investigators are also tracing possible involvement by other people in the planned sea transport of the five Chinese nationals to Australia.
Rifai said the detentions were an initial step in uncovering suspected illegal transport of foreign nationals, which could constitute people smuggling.
He said waters around Rote Ndao are a frequent route for undocumented migrants seeking to reach Australia, underscoring the need for stronger border surveillance.
Rote Ndao police said they would strengthen maritime surveillance to prevent people smuggling and immigration violations in the Indonesian border region.
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Translator: Kornelis K, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Primayanti
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