REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAMBI - Illegal immigrants from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iraq, use South China Sea to sail to Indonesia, an immigration official said. The head of the immigration service in Jambi, Sumatra, Mat Salim, said on Saturday in view of that Jambi needs to improve monitoring of foreigners to prevent them from entering the province.

"In the past three months 40 illegal immigrants have entered the province, in their efforts to seek a political asylum" he said. 

Salim says Jambi`s coastal area is close to South China Sea while along its coast there are many rivers or loopholes for illegal immigrants to enter into the region. The Spora Team with members from various offices concerned had to increase coordination and its performance to monitor and anticipate against the entry of illegal immigrants to the region. He said the arrival of 48 illegal immigrants in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iraq to the province recently proved that Jambi was vulnerable to illegal immigrants.

Salim believes many illegal immigrants enter the region many times before they proceed to Jakarta then Australia as their final destination. He thinks local community members especially those living in the coastal area also need to be involved in the prevention efforts.

"Anticipation has to be taken with regard to the big number of special piers and loopholes on the eastern coast that could possibly be used by illegal immigrants," he said.

The South China Sea is among startegic shipping lanes in the world, including for illegal immigrants to enter Indonesia (map).

Ikuti Whatsapp Channel Republika