Immigration Authorities Arrest Three Australian Nationals in Merauke, One of Whom is a Pilot
The Directorate General of Immigration has arrested three Australian nationals with initials ZA, DTL, and JVD in Merauke, South Papua, for entering Indonesian territory without valid travel documents and visas.
“ZA and DTL do not possess travel documents (passports) or Indonesian visas,” stated the Director of Immigration Supervision and Enforcement, Yuldi Yusman, at the Directorate General of Immigration on Thursday (9 April 2026).
Yuldi explained that the case began on 17 November 2025 when a Piper PA 23-250 Aztec aircraft with registration number VH-EQD landed in Merauke, Papua.
The aircraft, piloted by JVD, was known to have departed from Cairns, Queensland, Australia.
In addition to the three foreign nationals, investigators are still developing the case against an Indonesian national pilot suspected of being involved.
“During the investigation, Immigration is also coordinating with the Australian government regarding the alleged involvement of Stirling Helicopters aviation company. Legal proceedings against the company’s owner are currently underway,” said Yuldi.
ZA and DTL are charged under Article 119 paragraph (1) of Law No. 6 of 2011 on Immigration for entering Indonesian territory without valid travel documents.
During the investigation process, the three suspects are being held at Salemba Detention Centre in Central Jakarta.
After the case file is declared complete, the suspects along with the evidence will be handed over to the Merauke District Prosecutor’s Office for trial proceedings on Wednesday (8 April 2026).
Director General of Immigration Hendarsam Marantoko stated that this law enforcement action is a form of protecting Indonesia’s territorial sovereignty.
Hendarsam added that the uncovering of this case is the result of cross-agency synergy, from the Police, Prosecutor’s Office, Ministry of Transportation, to other related institutions.
He emphasised that the Directorate General of Immigration does not tolerate activities by foreign nationals that disrespect sovereignty and harm Indonesia’s national interests.