Immigration Authorities Detain Three Illegal Australian Nationals in Papua, One of Whom is a Pilot

The Directorate General of Immigration has handed over three foreign nationals from Australia, initialled ZA, DTL, and JVD, to the Republic of Indonesia’s Attorney General after their investigation files were declared complete (P-21) on Wednesday (8/4). The trio were passengers on a plane that landed in Merauke, Papua, in November 2025 without valid travel documents or visas. Director of Immigration Supervision and Enforcement, Yuldi Yusman, explained that the case began with the landing of a Piper PA 23-250 Aztec aircraft with registration VH-EQD on 17 November 2025. “The aircraft, piloted by JVD, departed from Cairns in Queensland, Australia. Before reaching Merauke, it transited at Port Stewart’s runway to pick up ZA and DTL, who lacked travel documents (passports) or Indonesian visas,” he stated in Jakarta on Thursday (9/4). During the investigation, the three suspects were held at Salemba Detention Centre in Central Jakarta. Once the files were complete, the suspects and evidence were transferred to the Merauke District Attorney’s Office for trial proceedings. In addition to the three foreigners, Immigration is continuing its investigation into an Indonesian national pilot. In the process, Immigration coordinated with the Australian government regarding the involvement of Stirling Helicopters company, leading to criminal proceedings against its owner. ZA and DTL are charged under Article 119 paragraph (1) of Law No. 6 of 2011 on Immigration for entering Indonesia without valid documents. Meanwhile, JVD, as the pilot, faces multiple charges for allegedly providing facilities or assistance in the criminal act. Director General of Immigration, Hendarsam Marantoko, emphasised that this law enforcement is a form of protection for Indonesia’s territorial sovereignty. “The action against these three Australian nationals sends a strong message that every foreigner entering Indonesian territory must comply with immigration rules, including possessing valid travel documents and visas,” he asserted. He added that the success in uncovering this case resulted from inter-agency synergy, from police and prosecutors to the Ministry of Transportation. “In line with the spirit of Asta Cita, we will not tolerate activities by foreigners that disrespect sovereignty and harm Indonesia’s national interests,” he concluded.