West Java Police Step up Raids on Illegal Immigrants

Bandung, W Java (Antara) - The West Java Provincial Police are increasing arrests of illegal immigrants at Megamendung in Bogor district, which is believed to be a common place for illegal immigrants to gather. The presence of the illegal immigrants has caused public unrest, particularly in Bogor, spokesman of West Java Provincial Police Snr. Comr. Martinus Sitompul said here on Saturday. Noting that the number of illegal immigrants in Bogor continued to increase, he said the police must control the immigrants since their presence had caused public unrest and might give rise to criminal offenses. Various criminal behavior, including drug trafficking, liquor abuses and unregistered or contractual marriages, might occur due to the presence of illegal immigrants, he said. Meanwhile, social affairs observer DR Yogi said authorities needed to take stern measures against illegal immigrants, whose presence had caused public unrest. Therefore, agencies must take firm steps to control the immigrants. The West Java provincial police must conduct routine raids on the area to curb the presence of illegal immigrants. Otherwise, their numbers would increase and security agencies would find it increasingly difficult to control them, he said. (*) Reporting by Enjang Solihin