On January 19, 2024, the Directorate General of Immigration reported that the Tanjung Redeb Immigration Office in Berau Regency, East Kalimantan, had secured three Filipino nationals found without official documents in Balikukup Village, Batu Putih District. The Head of the Tanjung Redeb Immigration Office, Benyamin Kali Patembal Harahap, stated that they received a report from the Foreigners Supervision Team (TIMPORA) on Saturday, January 12, 2024, around 10:00 WITA.

"I immediately instructed the Head of the Intelligence and Immigration Enforcement Subsection to go to the field. The travel time from Tanjung Redeb to the location is about five hours. Our team arrived there in the afternoon and conducted interviews. From these interviews, it was suspected that the three individuals were Filipino nationals who had been stranded," Benyamin explained on Wednesday, January 17, 2024.

The three men were from Tawi-Tawi Province, Philippines. The incident began when they traveled to Sitangkai Island to purchase basic necessities. On their return journey, their speedboat ran out of fuel. After drifting at sea for seven days and nights, they were found by local fishermen near the waters of Maratua. The fishermen assisted them by bringing their speedboat to Balikukup Island in Batu Putih District. The village head then informed the local sub-district and police. The immigration team and the three Filipino nationals arrived at the detention room of the Tanjung Redeb Immigration Office early Sunday morning.

The presence of undocumented foreign nationals in Berau Regency often occurs due to boat or ship damage during voyages, leading to them being stranded in the area. High rainfall intensity accompanied by strong winds in the region contributes to such incidents.

"During the examination, the joint team found evidence such as rice, instant noodles, and milk. This strongly suggests that they were not involved in illegal fishing. We also observed that they were using a speedboat, not a fishing vessel," Benyamin added.

He also mentioned that they found other evidence, including a speedboat driving license from the Philippines and photos of birth certificates on the individuals' phones. The immigration office coordinated with the Immigration Division of the East Kalimantan Regional Office of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights and sent a letter to the Philippine Consulate General in Manado, North Sulawesi, to facilitate the repatriation of the individuals.

On Tuesday, January 16, 2024, the Philippine Border Committee visited the Tanjung Redeb Immigration Office to gather information regarding the condition of the three Filipino nationals. Discussions are ongoing to determine the best course of action, considering various factors.

"There are two options for repatriating these Filipino nationals. First, through the Immigration Detention Center in Balikpapan, which involves preparing tickets and other necessities. Second, by using their speedboat. However, the second option is risky given the recent sea weather conditions. We are continuing to coordinate to find the best solution," Benyamin concluded.