Timeline: Seven Foreign Nationals Enter Australia Before Being Arrested in Rote Ndao, NTT

Police have unveiled the timeline of seven foreign nationals from China and Uzbekistan who were arrested at Masidae Beach, Inaoe Village, South Rote Subdistrict, Rote Ndao Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). The seven foreigners 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 returned, eventually being caught at Masidae Beach,” said Rote Ndao Police Chief AKBP Mardiono to detikBali on Wednesday (25 February 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, South Sulawesi.

On 11 February 2026, the seven foreigners departed towards the Australian border for an eight-day journey. They were reportedly travelling to Australia to work.

“They each paid USD 400 to the person who arranged their departure,” said Mardiono.

According to Mardiono, the seven foreign nationals were subsequently arrested by Australian authorities. They were then returned through Indonesian waters using a speed boat equipped with adequate logistics and fuel until they were stranded at Masidae Beach.

The foreign nationals are currently undergoing intensive examination at Rote Ndao Police Headquarters. Police are also coordinating with Kupang Class I Immigration office for further handling. Additionally, police are continuing to pursue four Indonesian citizens suspected of involvement in the human smuggling operation.

“We have identified the four Indonesian citizens who smuggled these victims and our personnel are continuing to pursue them in the field,” Mardiono concluded.