Foreign Tourist Suspected of Involvement in Raja Ampat Sea Turtle Case Has Been Taken to Sorong

The alleged turtle killing case in the waters of Raja Ampat, Southwest Papua, has entered further investigation stages. A foreign tourist with the initials WS, who was previously detained by Makassar Immigration officers, has been transferred to Sorong to undergo questioning.

Erwin Hendrawinata, Head of Intelligence and Immigration Enforcement Division at the Makassar TPI Special Class I Immigration Office, confirmed that WS has been handed over to the Sorong TPI Class II Immigration Office.

"He has been brought to Sorong. We have escorted and transferred him to the Sorong Immigration Office for further processing," he stated.

Interrogations in Sorong are being conducted to investigate alleged violations committed during WS' stay in Indonesia. Authorities will examine whether there are elements of criminal offense or violations of immigration regulations.

Should the investigation uncover evidence of violations, WS may face sanctions in accordance with applicable laws. Erwin noted that immigration sanctions include deportation and entry ban, pending the results of the legal process.

"If proven guilty, he will absolutely face criminal charges, and subsequent measures will be adjusted accordingly. This may also include deportation and being blacklisted, that is the standard procedure," he said.

At this time, Makassar Immigration has not provided further details regarding the preliminary investigation findings. All follow-up investigation processes have been transferred to Sorong and involve multiple government agencies.

"We cannot disclose further information at this moment, as the investigation is still ongoing there with joint agency involvement. We only carried out the initial detention as previously explained," he stated.

According to immigration records, WS entered Indonesia using a Visa on Arrival (VoA). This visa is issued for tourism purposes, grants an initial 30-day stay permit, and can be extended for an additional 30 days.

"He entered on a tourist Visa on Arrival, with 30 days initial stay that can be extended another 30 days. He is currently listed as a diving trainer," Erwin said.

WS has been identified as Wei Shang. He is also recorded as a member of AIDA International (Association Internationale pour le Développement de l'Apnée), the international governing body for freediving.

On his membership card, Wei Shang is registered as an instructor trainer, with the certification valid until 2025. Erwin confirmed both the identity and professional background of WS.

Prior to the transfer to Sorong, WS was detained by Makassar Immigration officers at the departure terminal of Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport, Maros Regency, South Sulawesi on Monday, 14 September. At the time of arrest, he was scheduled to board a flight to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The detention was carried out following an official overseas travel ban request, in connection with alleged poaching of protected wildlife in the Raja Ampat marine area.

This case first emerged after a social media video circulated, showing a diver performing spearfishing who was suspected of targeting a sea turtle in Raja Ampat waters.

Raja Ampat is recognised as one of Indonesia's premier marine tourism destinations, renowned for its exceptional marine ecosystem biodiversity. For this reason, allegations of activities targeting protected wildlife have drawn serious attention as part of efforts to preserve the region.

WS' involvement in the incident remains an unconfirmed allegation at this stage. The investigation in Sorong will be conducted to verify facts, and determine whether any violations of law or immigration regulations have occurred.