German National Deported for Illegally Collecting Endemic Flora in Lore Lindu National Park

The Class I Special Immigration Office in Palu has deported a German national, Vlad Alexandru Tataru, after he was found to have collected endemic flora without official permission in the Lore Lindu National Park area. Based on examination results, Vlad entered Indonesia using a Visa on Arrival (VoA), which does not allow research activities. During the inspection, officers discovered several plant samples taken from the area without permission from the relevant authorities, including the National Research and Innovation Agency. The Head of the Class I Special Immigration Office in Palu, Muhammad Akmal, emphasised that this action is a form of immigration law enforcement as well as an effort to protect national sovereignty, particularly biological natural resources. “We take firm action against every immigration violation, including the misuse of residence permits. Research activities in Indonesia must follow procedures and applicable permits,” he stated in Palu on Tuesday (24/3). Based on applicable legal provisions, the immigration authorities imposed deportation sanctions on Vlad and added him to the blacklist, so the individual cannot return to Indonesia for a certain period. In addition, the Class I Special Immigration Office in Palu urges all foreign nationals to comply with immigration rules and permit provisions, especially regarding research activities and the taking of natural resource samples. This firm step is expected to provide a deterrent effect as well as increase awareness of the importance of legal compliance in preserving and maintaining the sovereignty of Indonesia’s natural resources.