Immigration Authorities Investigating Chinese National's Documents Regarding Hawksbill Turtle Hunting in Raja Ampat
Sorong, Southwest Papua – The Sorong Immigration Office in Southwest Papua is currently examining the immigration documents of a Chinese national, identified by the initials WS, who is suspected of being involved in the hunting of hawksbill turtles in the Raja Ampat marine conservation area.
Galih Dwi Prawita, the Head of Immigration Enforcement at the Sorong Immigration Office, stated on Wednesday (16/9) that WS had been transferred from the Makassar Immigration Office to the Sorong Immigration Office to undergo further examination.
“For the next stage, we will first conduct an examination of his immigration documents. To respect his rights as an examinee, we are still awaiting the presence of his legal counsel and an interpreter,” he said.
According to him, the documents inspected by Immigration so far include his passport and residence permit.
Galih explained that the handling of the case involving WS began following a letter from a local official in Raja Ampat received by the Sorong Immigration Office on Monday (14/9), regarding community reports of alleged conservation violations committed by WS.
As the report involved a foreign national, the authorities conducted a trace through the immigration system to determine the individual’s whereabouts and travel plans.
“From the immigration system, it was discovered that the individual was scheduled to fly to Australia on that day. We subsequently coordinated with the Bali Immigration Office and the Makassar Immigration Office,” he said.
Based on immigration data, WS’s initial route was from Sorong to Makassar, then Makassar to Bali, and finally to Australia.
“We implemented a departure delay through coordination with the Makassar Immigration Office so that the individual could be secured there,” he added.
Galih stated that they cannot yet conclude the reason for the change in travel destination as the interrogation of WS has not yet commenced.
He also noted that immigration data shows this was WS’s second visit to Raja Ampat. However, authorities have not yet delved deeper into the purpose of his arrival or the activities conducted during his stay in Raja Ampat.
“We have not obtained that information yet because the examination has not started,” he said.
From an immigration perspective, authorities will review the findings to determine if there are any immigration violations that warrant further legal action.
“We will see first. If there are indeed immigration violations, we will take appropriate action,” he said.
Galih mentioned that the Chinese Embassy in Jakarta has coordinated with the Sorong Immigration Office and supports the ongoing legal process. The Embassy has advised that WS be accompanied by legal counsel.
Galih urged foreign tourists visiting Raja Ampat to respect the prevailing laws and regulations, particularly those concerning the protection of conservation areas.
“Raja Ampat is a world-class tourist destination. I hope all foreigners visiting Raja Ampat respect the laws and regulations applicable in this region,” he said.
He also reminded tour guides not to promote spearfishing activities, especially in areas designated as conservation zones.
Meanwhile, the police investigation into the alleged hawksbill turtle hunting is still ongoing to establish the facts based on evidence and testimonies from all involved parties.