Lankan among 26 nabbed in Indonesia

A Sri Lankan was among the 26 illegal immigrants arrested by the Police in Medang Kampai precinct, Dumai, Riau, Indonesia yesterday.

The immigrants comprise 21 from Afghanistan, four from Pakistan and one Sri Lankan, who entered Indonesian territory through a small river port in Dumai using a motorboat controlled by Dewa Irawan, 42, a Dumai resident.

When they arrived in Dumai, the immigrants were taken to Pekanbaru in a minibus, which was halted by police officers who then conducted a regular inspection on the road connecting Dumai-Sei Pakning, Bengkalis Regency. Since none of the immigrants were able to show their passports, the police detained them and handed them over to Dumai Immigration Office. "From initial questioning, they admitted to entering Indonesian territory illegally, guided by Dewa Irawan. They said they wanted to go to Australia," Dumai Immigration Office official Budiman said.

According to Budiman, Dewa, who assisted the immigrants from Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia, had also been arrested and detained.

Courtesy: Jakarta Post