Today, we deported another 164 Timor Leste nationals for entering Atambua, Belu district, illegally.Kupang, E Nusa Tenggara (ANTARA) - The Atambua Immigration Office in East Nusa Tenggara province on Saturday deported more Timor Leste nationals for trespassing into Indonesian territory through an illegal path.
"Today, we deported another 164 Timor Leste nationals for entering Atambua, Belu district, illegally," said chief of the Atambua Immigration Office, K.A. Halim, on Saturday afternoon.
This was the third batch of Timor Leste nationals to be deported from East Nusa Tenggara, which borders Timor Leste, since early this month, he noted.
Related news: TNI's soldiers bolster security at Indonesia-Timor Leste border line
The immigration office had deported hundreds of Timor Leste nationals on August 10 and August 19, 2021 for similar offenses, he informed.
The first batch of Timor Leste nationals were deported after the police arrested them for illegal entry, Halim said. Meanwhile, the second and third batches of Timor Leste nationals had surrendered to the Belu district military command prior to their deportation, he added.
Related news: East Nusa Tenggara closes three border checkpoints with Timor Leste
“They are believed to be members of Persaudaraan Setia Hati Teratai Martial Art Association (PSHT). According to a report, they came to Atambua for grade promotion in Belu district ,” he said.
As of Saturday (August 21, 2021), a total of 629 Timor Leste nationals have been deported from the province, he informed.
They were deported to Timor Leste via the Mota Ain border checkpoint, he said.
Related news: COVID-19: Pfizer vaccine distribution starts in Jabodetabek area
Related news: Avoid being picky about brands and get inoculated soon: Expert
Translator: Kornelis Kaha, Suharto
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2021
