Minister Trenggono Orders Joint Operation Following the Arrest of Seven Foreign Nationals in Rote

Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Sakti Wahyu Trenggono, has commented on the case of seven foreign nationals who were apprehended while crossing the sea in Rote Ndao, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), en route to Australia. He has instructed the Directorate General of Marine and Fisheries Resource Supervision (Ditjen PSDKP) to conduct a joint operation.

“I have asked the Director General of PSDKP to coordinate with the Australian government for a joint operation,” said Sakti on Wednesday (25/2/2026) in Kupang.

According to him, the joint operation is aimed at anticipating and mitigating human smuggling and illegal immigration towards Australia. The cooperation will also include maritime surveillance and air patrols.

“So, it will be a joint operation to address the issue of illegal immigration and air surveillance, and we will carry that out,” he said.

Previously, police secured seven nationals from China and Uzbekistan who were arrested on Masidae Beach, Inaoe Village, South Rote District, Rote Ndao Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). The seven foreign nationals had briefly entered Australian territory before being stranded and arrested by police in Rote Ndao, NTT.

“Their destination was Australia, but they were arrested and deported, and eventually arrested on Masidae Beach,” said Rote Ndao Police Chief AKBP Mardiono to detikBali on Wednesday (25/2/2026).

Mardiono revealed that the seven foreign nationals were victims of human smuggling. They initially entered Indonesia through Jakarta and continued their journey to Kendari, Southeast Sulawesi.

On February 11, 2026, the seven foreign nationals departed towards the Australian border, traveling for eight days. They were reportedly heading to Australia to work.