Four Chinese Nationals Deported After Taking Soil Samples from Mine in Gorontalo

Four Chinese nationals were deported to their home country after being found taking soil samples in a mining area in Buol Regency, Gorontalo Province. The Chinese nationals were caught in a raid by Gorontalo Immigration officers at an inn in Gorontalo City. “We found them staying there and conducted checks on their documents and activities,” said Josua Pahala Martua, Head of Gorontalo Immigration, to reporters on Wednesday (22/4). Immigration authorities secured the four Chinese nationals, namely DA, CC, MZ, and FG. During the examination, officers found a soil sample originating from the Buol Regency mining area. Previously, they claimed to have entered Indonesia using visit and business visas. “The permits they hold are for visits and business, but they do not match the activities carried out in the field. When coming to Indonesia, activities must align with the purpose of the permit,” he explained. The four foreigners had been in Gorontalo City since 6 April, then travelled to Buol Regency. After that, they returned to Gorontalo on 9 April. Josua emphasised to companies or parties inviting foreigners not to facilitate them arbitrarily without ensuring the legality of their activities in Indonesia. “Foreign nationals must have a limited stay permit to carry out work activities in Indonesia. The permit used in this case does not match their activities,” he clarified. As a result of the incident, the four Chinese nationals were deported, and Gorontalo Immigration will tighten supervision of foreigners in the area.