Three Timorese Nationals Detained for Entering Indonesia via River

Three foreign nationals from Timor Leste were secured by the Joint Task Force for Border Security RI-RDTL Eastern Sector, Yonarmed 12/AY/2/2 Kostrad, at Pos Salore, for entering Indonesia through an illegal route. The three men crossed a river in Tulakadi Village, East Tasifeto Subdistrict, Belu Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). The three Timorese nationals are Manuel Maia (35), Feliciano Cruz Ramos (15), and Santana Henrique (12). They have now been handed over to the Class II TPI Immigration Office in Atambua for deportation processing. “The three foreign nationals are suspected of crossing an unofficial route in the Indonesia-Timor Leste border area,” said the Head of the Class II TPI Immigration Office in Atambua, Jusup Pehulisa Ginting, to detikBali on Sunday (19/4/2026). Jusup explained that Manuel, Feliciano, and Santana were secured while border guard personnel were conducting patrols around 6:50 PM WITA on Friday (17/4). They were caught crossing the river to enter Belu Regency territory. In addition to crossing illegally, the three foreigners also lacked identity and official documents. They were then handed over to Atambua Immigration for further handling. According to Jusup, the immigration intelligence and enforcement team (Inteldakim) is conducting further examinations and in-depth information gathering on the three foreign men. “The three foreign nationals have been placed in the detention room at the Atambua Immigration Office while awaiting the completion of legal and immigration administrative processes in accordance with the provisions,” he added. Jusup emphasised the importance of cross-agency synergy in border areas in efforts to prevent and enforce immigration violations. He stated that every finding of immigration violations will be followed up professionally, measurably, and in accordance with procedures. “We are committed to remaining active and synergistic in safeguarding the sovereignty of the state in the Indonesia-Timor Leste border area,” Jusup concluded.