TEMPO.CO, Kendari - One hundred and fifty eight foreign nationals alleged as illegal immigrants were stranded around the water of Labuan Peropa, South Konawe. They were evacuated on Wednesday.
The migrants were arrested under the tight supervision of Southeast Sulawesi police personnels, as well as Kendari immigration officials. "The illegal immigrants were evacuated with Kendari search and rescue boats," said Detective Unit Chief of Southeast Sulawesi regional police, Sr. Comm. Heri Hajara, Wednesday.
Heri stated that the illegal immigrants have wanted to sail to Australia to seek asylum, yet the boat they were using were stranded due to engine failure in the middle of the sea as the boat was hit by big waves.
He further added, the number of immigrants were 210 people, yet only 158 were evacuated, consisting of 15 children, 108 men, and 35 women. "When we arrived, there were only 158 immigrants. The rest escaped to the forests around Labuan Peropa," he said.
The immigrants were originated from various countries, such as Turkey, Myanmar, Iran, and Spain. They are under the supervision of Kendari Immigration Office, which is still waiting for a response from the International Organization of Migration.
ROSNIAWANTY FIKRY
