Inp.polri.go.id - Kupang. In a joint operation of the Belu Sub-regional Police, East Nusa Tenggara Regional Police, and Atambua Immigration, Indonesian authorities detained four individuals from Timor Leste for illegal border crossing, an official said. The four Timor Leste nationals were due to be deported to Timor Leste. The Belu Police Chief, Superintendent Richo Nataldo Devallas Simanjuntak, said on Thursday (12/10/2023) the collaboration between the Belu Sub-regional Police and Immigration aimed at protecting Indonesia's borders from various forms of illegal activities. The individuals from Timor Leste had entered Indonesia with the intention of buying motorcycles and illegally transported them back to their home country. Following questioning, all four admitted to crossing the border through a secret path, locally known as the Fatumean route in Kovalima District, which borders  the Laktutus area  and using motorcycle taxis to reach Atambua. After arriving in Atambua, they explored the city, sought food, and stayed at Hotel Paradiso. One of the individuals,  identified as Yoseph Paulo De Neri, had previously crossed border illegally through the same route twice and illegally transported motorcycles to Timor Leste. In response to this incident, Indonesian authorities has increased monitoring at all border crossings, especially in areas commonly used as secret paths by illegal border crossers. Chief Simanjuntak expressed hope that cooperation between Indonesian and Timor Leste authorities at the border will help maintain a secure environment before, during, and after the 2024 Elections. (mg/fa/pr/nm)