Immigration Detains Russian National for Filming KNPB Protest in Wamena
Immigration authorities have detained a Russian national, identified by the initials AP (39), after he was found recording a demonstration by the West Papua National Committee (KNPB) in Wamena, Papua Highlands, and was suspected of intending to use the footage as social media content. According to the official website of the Directorate General of Immigration under the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections, AP was caught recording the KNPB demonstration in Wamena on Saturday, 15 August. Immigration stated that this activity was not in accordance with the tourist visa he held.
Director General of Immigration Hendarsam Marantoko emphasised that Indonesia is open to foreign tourists. However, Immigration will not ignore activities by foreign nationals that have the potential to deviate from immigration regulations and disrupt public order. “Indonesia is open to foreign tourists, but there are rules that must be respected. When someone enters as a tourist, their activities must of course be in accordance with the permit granted. If indications of misuse of a stay permit or activities that could potentially disrupt security and order are found, Immigration will act,” said Hendarsam.
Based on immigration data, AP entered Indonesia through I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport on 3 July 2026 using a Visit Visa valid until 31 August 2026. Immigration also noted that this was not the first time AP had been to Papua. Immigration records show that AP has visited Papua 10 times, with the frequency of visits increasing during the 2024–2026 period. Immigration stated that AP claimed to like Papua’s nature and culture and had a number of local acquaintances from previous visits.
AP also admitted that his initial intention was to travel to several areas in Papua, including Korowai and Wamena. AP also acknowledged that he was in Wamena on 15 August 2026 to take photos and videos of the KNPB demonstration. The documentation was reportedly planned to be used as content material for his social media accounts, such as Instagram and YouTube. Immigration stated that AP had appeared in social media publications that built a narrative of international attention on the protest in Wamena.
In addition to the demonstration footage, an examination of AP’s electronic devices by officers found a contract offer document for the production of photos and videos addressed to him. AP admitted to being aware of the offer. Immigration is currently tracing the entire series of AP’s activities, from his travel history, the parties he met, the locations visited, to the documentation products and digital publications produced.
“We work based on facts and evidence. Therefore, we are reconstructing all of the person’s activities and matching them with the stay permit he holds. The principle is clear: foreigners may come to Indonesia, but they must comply with Indonesian law,” said Hendarsam. Immigration is also investigating an alleged violation of Article 122 letter a of Law Number 6 of 2011 on Immigration, which regulates the misuse of a stay permit or activities that are not in accordance with the purpose of arrival. AP is currently placed in the Immigration Detention Room for examination purposes.
“Immigration is the gatekeeper of the country. We welcome foreigners who come with good intentions and obey the rules, but we must also ensure that no stay permit is used for activities that harm Indonesia’s interests,” said Hendarsam.