Immigration Enforcement Subsection Head Galih Dwi Prawita said WS was\ntransferred from Makassar Immigration Office to Sorong Immigration\nOffice on Wednesday, September 16, for further questioning.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur next step is to examine his immigration documents. To respect\nhis rights as a person under examination, we are waiting for his lawyer\nand interpreter,\u201d he said here Wednesday.<\/p>\n
He said a full examination of WS could not yet be conducted because\nimmigration officials were awaiting his legal counsel and\ninterpreter.<\/p>\n
So far, immigration officials have examined his passport and\nresidence permit, Galih said.<\/p>\n
The case began after Sorong Immigration Office received a letter\nMonday, September 14, from a Raja Ampat official concerning public\nreports of alleged conservation violations by WS.<\/p>\n
Because the report involved a foreign national, officials searched\nthe immigration system to determine WS\u2019s whereabouts and travel\nplans.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe immigration system showed he was scheduled to fly to Australia\nthat day. We then coordinated with immigration offices in Bali and\nMakassar,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Immigration records showed WS\u2019s original route was from Sorong to\nMakassar, followed by Makassar to Bali and then Australia.<\/p>\n
However, while in Makassar, WS changed his destination from Bali to\nKuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from his original itinerary.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe coordinated with the Makassar Immigration Office to delay his\ndeparture, allowing him to be secured there,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Galih said officials could not determine why WS changed his\ndestination because he had not yet been questioned.<\/p>\n
He said immigration records showed WS was visiting Raja Ampat for the\nsecond time. Officials had yet to determine his purpose or activities\nduring his stay.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have not obtained that information because the examination has\nnot started,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
From an immigration perspective, officials will assess the\nexamination results to determine whether WS committed any immigration\nviolations warranting further action, he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe will assess the findings first. If there is an immigration\nviolation, we may also take action,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Galih said Sorong Immigration Office had previously coordinated with\nthe Marine and Fisheries Resources Surveillance Agency (PSDKP) and\nSouthwest Papua Police, particularly its Special Criminal Investigation\nDirectorate, which is also investigating the alleged turtle hunt.<\/p>\n
He said the Chinese Embassy in Jakarta had also coordinated with\nSorong Immigration Office and supported the ongoing legal process. The\nembassy recommended that WS be accompanied by legal counsel.<\/p>\n
Galih urged foreign tourists visiting Raja Ampat to respect local\nlaws and regulations, particularly those protecting conservation\nareas.<\/p>\n
\u201cRaja Ampat is a world-class tourist destination. I hope all\nforeigners visiting Raja Ampat respect the laws and regulations in force\nhere,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
He also urged tour guides not to promote spearfishing, particularly\nin areas designated as conservation zones.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, the police investigation into the alleged hawksbill turtle\nhunt remains underway to establish the facts based on evidence and\nstatements from those involved.<\/p>\n
Related news: Five giant leatherbacks lay eggs on Raja Ampat\u2019s\nWarebar Beach<\/p>\n
Related news: Five giant leatherback turtles lay eggs on Raja Ampat\u2019s\nYenbekaki<\/p>\n
Translator: YuvensiusLB, Rahmad Nasution<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/indonesia-probes-chinese-divers-immigration-documents-1789563084", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }