TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A total of 16 foreign nationals from Uzbekistan were stranded on the shore of Pantai Air Panas hamlet in Bandar Village, Pantar District, Alor Regency. The all-male foreigners were handed over to the Kupang Class I Immigration Office to be examined.
On Friday, July 3, 2026, around 9:00 a.m. local time, local fishers saw a group of foreigners walking along the beach and reported it to the police.
Authorities, comprising police officers and local government, then evacuated the foreigners and provided them with humanitarian aid while conducting an initial inspection. The 16 foreign nationals were listed by the initials AI, ND, TO, YA, BT, NIO, ST, SS, NN, IS, IM, KI, GS, MFK, KS, and RZ.
The Head of Public Relations of the NTT Regional Police, Commissioner Henry Novika Chandra, explained that the handling was carried out in a coordinated manner by the Alor Police Resort together with the Alor Regency Government, Class I Immigration Office TPI Kupang, and other relevant agencies.
"The foreign nationals admitted to traveling by a motorboat that experienced engine damage, drifted, and eventually stranded in the Alor Regency area," he said.
Meanwhile, the head of the Kupang Immigration Office, Ma'mum, said the Uzbekistan nationals were allegedly heading to Australia through illicit channels.
On the other hand, authorities are still tracing the whereabouts of an Indonesian national who allegedly organized the group's journey.
In addition to checking the identities of the foreign nationals, officials verified immigration documents. The initial inspection results indicated alleged permit overstays.
After undergoing examination at the Alor Police Resort, all foreign nationals departed from the ASDP Kalabahi Port to Kupang on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, escorted by Alor Police Resort personnel.
Upon arrival in Kupang on Thursday, the group was officially handed over by the Head of Criminal Investigation at the Alor Police Resort to the officers of the Class I Immigration Office TPI Kupang. The process was marked by the signing of the Handover of Foreign Nationals and passport documents.
The NTT Regional Police Chief, Inspector General Rudi Darmoko, extended appreciation for the police's professional, humane, and lawful handling of the incident.
According to the Regional Police Chief, synergy between institutions is an important factor in maintaining border security and ensuring that handling of foreign nationals is done swiftly, accurately, and in accordance with regulations.
Meanwhile, the Head of Public Relations of the NTT Regional Police urged the public, especially those in coastal areas and outer islands, to immediately report to the authorities if they find foreigners or suspicious activities so that appropriate legal measures can be taken promptly.
Read: Indonesia Cuts Visa-Free Entry by 87% to Tighten Foreign Screening
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
World Cup: DR Congo Reach Last 32 After Beating Uzbekistan
15 hari lalu
DR Congo advanced to round of 32 as one of the best 3rd-place finishers, after beating Uzbekistan 3-1 in World Cup's Group K match.
2026 World Cup Roundup: Ronaldo Leads Portugal Past Uzbekistan 5-0, England Held by Ghana 0-0
19 hari lalu
Portugal secured a convincing 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan in the second match of the World Cup 2026 Group K phase.
Portugal vs. Uzbekistan 2026 World Cup Match Prediction
20 hari lalu
On paper, Portugal is favored due to the depth of their squad and the quality of individual players in the 2026 World Cup.
2026 World Cup: England and Ghana Triumph, Uzbekistan Loses
25 hari lalu
Colombia begins its 2026 World Cup journey in Group K with a 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan. Meanwhile, Harry Kane equals Gary Lineker's record.
2026 World Cup: Uzbekistan vs Colombia Prediction
25 hari lalu
Uzbekistan will face Colombia in the opening match of Group K at the 2026 World Cup at Estadio Banorte, Mexico City, on Thursday, June 18, 2026.
East Java Boosts Cultural, Religious Tourism Ties with Uzbekistan
5 April 2026
East Java is boosting cooperation with Uzbekistan in cultural and religious tourism to promote connectivity, pilgrimages, and cultural exchange.
Uzbekistan Eyes 12 Million Tourists as AI Enters Hospitality Sector
24 Februari 2026
In addition to expanding tourism infrastructure, Uzbekistan is also transitioning to AI-based systems in hotels and restaurants.
Uzbekistan Ranks Among World's Fastest-Growing Tourism Destinations
3 Januari 2026
Uzbekistan ranks as one of the top seven fastest-growing tourism destinations in 2025, welcoming 10.7 million visitors.
Independence Cup 2025: Indonesia U-17 Triumphs 2-0 Over Uzbekistan
15 Agustus 2025
U-17 Indonesia secures victory against Uzbekistan in Independence Cup 2025 thanks to two goals from Dimas Adi Prasetyo and Muhamad Al Gazani.
Independence Cup 2025: Indonesia U-17 Leads Uzbekistan 1-0 at Halftime
15 Agustus 2025
The U-17 Indonesian national team leads 1-0 against Uzbekistan thanks to Dimas Adi Prasetyo's goal in the Independence Cup 2025.
