Inp.polri.go.id - Kupang. The Rote Ndao Sub-regional Police in East Nusa Tenggara are pursuing four Indonesian citizens suspected of smuggling seven foreigners from China and Uzbekistan into Australian waters. 

The suspects fled into the forest near Masidae Beach on Tuesday after their vessel became stranded upon being intercepted and turned back by Australian authorities.

“Four Indonesians escaped, and our teams are currently scouring the area. We urge the public to report any suspicious individuals immediately,” said Superintendent Mardiono, Rote Ndao Police Chief, on Wednesday (25/2/2026), as cited by antaranews.com.

The stranded group, comprising four Chinese and three Uzbek citizens, was rescued and detained for questioning. Investigations revealed the migrants traveled from Jakarta to Southeast Sulawesi’s Kendari before embarking on an eight-day sea voyage. 

The Uzbek citizens  reportedly paid $400 each to the smugglers with the intent of finding work in Australia. The foreigners remain in custody as police intensify the manhunt for the Indonesian coordinators involved in the human smuggling ring.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)