VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

The Kupang immigration office confirmed it is yet conducting inspection on six Chinese nationals stranded in Rote Ndao District, East Nusa Tenggara Province, some time ago.

"They are subject to inspection in accordance with the applicable immigration rules," Head of the Kupang Class I Immigration Office, Sjachril, stated here on Thursday.

The immigration office continues to coordinate with the Rote Ndao Police Department for further inspection into the six Chinese citizens.

"We have conducted some examinations for this case based on information received earlier, and now, we need to further examine the matter," Sjachril remarked.

Based on the result of further inspection, he expounded that the immigration office can then decide on whether those Chinese citizens can be subject to sanctions in accordance with Law No. 9 of 2011 on Immigration.

The sanctions can be applied in the form of administrative sanctions or deportation that will be ascertained after taking into account the results of the examination, he stated.

Earlier, those six Chinese nationals were stranded in the waters of Rote Ndao District on Tuesday (Jan 28). They initially attempted to sail to Australia using a wooden boat -- MV Indah -- accompanied by two local fishermen.

However, on reaching the Australian waters, they were intercepted by Australian coast guards and underwent examination for two nights in the middle of the sea.

Sjachril further expounded that those Chinese citizens were also examined over having likely contracted the novel coronavirus, a health problem that has currently become a global concern.

Fortunately, based on the results of examinations from the Health Office in Rote Ndao District, as the authorized agency, the six Chinese citizens were declared to have tested negative for the coronavirus infection. (ANTARA)