The Indonesian Embassy in Canberra has been notified by the Australian Government of the arrival of fifteen people suspected to be Indonesians at the atoll island of Ashmore Reef, Australia. They are Lilin Masitah, Kartini Anis Minuth, Alex Widarso, Anton Setiadi, Susitati, Bambang Wahyudi a.k.a Bambang Sugito, Budi Kristian, Maria Kristiana, Seniti, Rosidah, Susiyani, Hudaepah, Abdul Karim, Ana Katrina and Samsudin a.k.a. Edy Subroto.

Based on the information received by the Embassy, they were the victims of unscrupulous people smugglers who allegedly promised them jobs as fruit pickers in Australia for which they had to pay a sum of money. These people are now on their way from Ashmore Reef to Christmas Island by HMAS Warramunga and are due to arrive on Thursday morning, 11 March 2004, to be further processed.

The Indonesian Embassy has secured access from the Australian Government to interview and ascertain their true identities before being deported to Indonesia. The Indonesian Ambassador in Canberra has instructed the Indonesian Consul in Perth, Mukhlis Yunus, and his staff to go to Christmas Island for that purpose. If they are proven to be Indonesians, Mukhlis Yunus will issue travel documents to facilitate their departure to Indonesia.

Mukhlis Yunus will accompany them in their travel back to Indonesia.