Indonesia Tightens Immigration Action Over Wildlife Violations

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia is strengthening immigration enforcement against foreign nationals who violate the country’s laws, including those whose activities threaten protected wildlife and the environment.

Director General of Immigration Hendarsam Marantoko made the statement following the arrest of a Chinese national caught attempting to flee after being exposed for hunting sea turtles in the waters of Piaynemo, Raja Ampat, West Papua.

“We will not allow foreigners to act recklessly in Indonesia without facing appropriate consequences. The dignity of the nation must be upheld, in line with Immigration’s spirit of serving the people,” Hendarsam said in Jakarta on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

The suspect, identified as WS, a certified diving instructor, was detained by Makassar Immigration officers at Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport on Monday, September 14. His capture followed a request from the Raja Ampat deputy regent and initial intelligence from the local Kesbangpol office.

Immigration Sorong coordinated with Makassar authorities after tracking WS’s movements from Sorong to Makassar, where he intended to board a flight to Kuala Lumpur. At 5 p.m. local time, immigration enforcement teams secured him at the airport.

WS’s activities had already drawn public attention after videos circulated on social media showing him spearfishing protected species, including a leatherback turtle. The footage quickly went viral, prompting Immigration Sorong to list him as a subject of interest and monitor his travel through passenger profiling systems.

Hendarsam confirmed WS will be transferred to Sorong Immigration for further investigation on Wednesday, September 16. “Our officers will conduct a thorough examination and coordinate closely with the Raja Ampat administration and relevant agencies to gather supporting evidence and documentation,” he said. ***