Palu Immigration deports German national for conducting research without official permission
Palu (ANTARA) - The Class I Immigration Office TPI Palu, Central Sulawesi, has taken administrative action in the form of deportation against a German national named Vlad Alexandru Tataru, who was found to have conducted research activities without official permission in the Lore Lindu National Park area.
The Head of the Class I Immigration Office TPI Palu, Muhammad Akmal, in Palu on Monday, stated that the action was taken after the individual was proven to have collected endemic flora without permission from the relevant authorities.
“The individual entered Indonesian territory using a Visa on Arrival (VoA), which is not intended for research activities,” he said.
During the examination process, Vlad Alexandru Tataru was found to be carrying several plant samples collected from the research location without holding the necessary permits, including from the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN).
Akmal emphasised that the action constitutes enforcement of immigration law as well as an effort to safeguard national sovereignty, particularly in the protection of Indonesia’s biological natural resources.
“We take firm action against every immigration violation, including the misuse of residence permits. Research activities in Indonesia have procedures and permits that must be adhered to,” he said.
He stated that such steps are important to protect natural wealth and ensure that research activities proceed in accordance with applicable regulations.
Based on the examination results and statutory provisions, Vlad Alexandru Tataru has been subjected to deportation accompanied by inclusion on the blacklist, preventing re-entry into Indonesian territory for a certain period.
The office urges all foreign nationals in Indonesia to always comply with immigration regulations and activity permit requirements, especially those related to research and the collection of natural resource samples.
Through this firm action, he said, it is hoped to provide a deterrent effect while increasing awareness of the importance of legal compliance to preserve and safeguard Indonesia’s natural resources and sovereignty.