Stop Detaining Illegal Immigrants Bound For Other Countries

Tanjungpinang, Riau Islands, Oct 21 (Antara) - Syarafuddin Aluan, Chairman of the Riau Islands Provincial Legislative Council`s Commission I, has urged the country`s security agencies against detaining illegal immigrants trying to make their way to other countries, such as Australia, via Indonesia. "Why should we arrest them? Let illegal immigrants go to their destination country, namely Australia," stated Syarafuddin, who is also the chairman of the Riau Islands chapter of the United Development Party (PPP). Australia has cleverly handled its illegal immigrant problem by setting up immigration detention centers such as the one in Tanjungpinang, he observed. He said Australia is trying to divert its (illegal immigrant) burden to Indonesia. "And Indonesia has accepted the burden with a huge risk," he added. News of foreign refugees or asylum seekers escaping from Indonesia`s immigration detention centers and hunger strike by foreign immigrants can cause much embarrassment to Indonesia in international circles, he remarked. "It would be better if Indonesia minds its own business," he stated. He also accused Jakarta of deliberately allowing illegal immigrants to fly from Jakarta to Tanjungpinang. Tanjungpinang Immigration Office Head Kenedi said 46 immigrants from Afghanistan have been under detention since September 11 when they arrived at Raja Haji Fisabilillah Airport in Tanjungpinang. They had flown from Soekarno-Hatta International Aiport in Jakarta without the necessary documents. Indonesia has become a transit country for immigrants desiring to go to Australia.