Makassar. A Chinese national has been detained by Indonesian immigration authorities over allegations that he was involved in the hunting of a protected sea turtle while diving in the waters off Piaynemo, Raja Ampat, Southwest Papua.

The man, identified as Wei Shang, was detained at Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport in Maros, South Sulawesi, on Monday as he prepared to leave Indonesia for Malaysia.

The Makassar Immigration Office said the detention followed a request from the Raja Ampat administration to prevent Wei from leaving the country over allegations that he had used a spear while diving in Raja Ampat, potentially resulting in the death of a protected sea turtle.

Erwin Hendrawinata, head of the Makassar Immigration Office’s Intelligence and Enforcement Division, said Wednesday that his office had received a report from immigration officers at Sultan Hasanuddin Airport, as well as an official request from the Raja Ampat administration.

“On Monday, the Makassar Immigration Office took monitoring and security measures against a Chinese national named Wei Shang. We detained him after receiving information that he was going to depart for Malaysia,” Erwin said.

According to immigration authorities, Wei spent five days in Raja Ampat and worked as a diving instructor. He is also a diving instructor and teacher in Australia.

Following his detention, the Makassar Immigration Office coordinated with the Sorong Immigration Office to return Wei to Southwest Papua. Authorities in Raja Ampat will handle the investigation and any further legal proceedings because the alleged offense occurred there.

“The case took place in Raja Ampat. We were asked by the Raja Ampat administration to prevent him from leaving, and we have also coordinated with the Sorong Immigration Office. As soon as possible, we will escort him to Sorong,” Erwin said.

The allegations have not been proven, and authorities in Raja Ampat are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the reported hunting of the protected sea turtle.

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