Inp.polri.go.id - Baubau. Immigration officers in Baubau, Southeast Sulawesi have detained nine Vietnamese citizens suspected of attempting to illegally reach Australia via North Buton Regency, Southeast Sulawesi. 

The group, consitig of eight men and one woman, was secured at a guesthouse in Labuan Bajo Village, North Wakorumba District, following a public tip-off.

“This operation started from community information, and our team immediately moved to verify and secure the foreigners whose activities raised suspicion,” said Southeast Sulawesi Immigration Office Head Ganda Samosir on Tuesday (20/1/2026), as cited by antaranews.com.

The suspects entered Indonesia through Soekarno-Hatta International Airport on 8 and 9 January 2026, using visa-free entry facilities. During questioning, they admitted planning an unlawful sea route to Australia after failing to obtain official visas.

Authorities believe the attempt was organized, involving an Indonesian facilitator, as the group lacked sponsors and valid travel plans. Immigration will impose administrative sanctions, including deportation and re-entry bans, while the individuals await repatriation.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)