March 23, 2026 | 10:58 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia's Class I Immigration Office in Palu, Central Sulawesi, has taken administrative action in the form of deportation against a German citizen named Vlad Alexandru Tataru, who was found to have conducted research activities without official permission in the Lore Lindu National Park area.
The Head of the Class I Immigration Office in Palu, Muhammad Akmal, stated in Palu on Monday that the action was taken after the person in question was found to have collected endemic flora without permission from the authorized agency.
"The person in question entered Indonesian territory using a Visa on Arrival (VoA), which is not intended for research activities," he said.
During the inspection, Vlad Alexandru Tataru was found to be carrying several plant samples collected from research sites without permits, including from the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN).
Akmal emphasized that this action is a form of immigration law enforcement and an effort to safeguard national sovereignty, particularly in the protection of Indonesia's natural resources.
"We take firm action against any immigration violations, including misuse of stay permits. Research activities in Indonesia have procedures and permits that must be complied with," he said.
He stated that this step is crucial to protect natural resources and ensure that research activities are conducted in accordance with applicable regulations.
Based on the results of the investigation and statutory provisions, Vlad Alexandru Tataru will be subject to deportation and will be placed on a deterrent list, preventing him from re-entering Indonesia for a specified period.
He urged all foreign nationals in Indonesia to comply with immigration regulations and activity permits, particularly those related to research and natural resource sampling.
He stated that these firm measures are expected to have a deterrent effect and raise awareness of the importance of legal compliance to maintain the sustainability and sovereignty of Indonesia's natural resources.
Read: Indonesia's Soekarno-Hatta Immigration Breaks Into Skytrax Top 10 in 2026
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