Entering Atambua Illegally, Indonesian Citizens From NTT Deported From Timor Leste

NTT - Immigration of Timor Leste deported an Indonesian citizen (WNI) who entered the country illegally. The Indonesian citizen is from Silawan Village, East Tasifeto District, Belu Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).

Head of the Class II Immigration Office TPI Atambua KA Halim said the Indonesian citizen was named Zakarias Dok Mau and the deportation was carried out through the Mota Ain PLBN.

"He was deported for illegally entering Timor Leste on the grounds that he wanted to take jerry cans of oil belonging to his brother who was in Timor Leste," he said when confirmed from Kupang, quoted from Antara, Monday 18 April.

The Indonesian citizen, who was known to work as a truck driver, he said, was arrested by the Timor Leste Immigration officers for crossing illegally. "It is called illegal because the person concerned does not carry official documents when passing through the area," he continued.

Halim added that after being arrested, Zakarias was taken by officers to the Batugade Immigration Post in Timor Leste to be recorded and questioned and then immediately handed over to Indonesian Immigration officers at TPI PLBN Mota Ain.

The Immigration Officer then gave a warning to the Indonesian citizens who passed illegally so that they would not return to their actions again in the future. "Every border crosser must bring official documents if he wants to cross to another country so as not to violate the law," he said.

Although he was returned to Indonesia, Zakarias was later handed over to the Belu Police regarding the alleged smuggling case.