Indonesia detains 26 Chinese nationals after attack on soldiers during West Kalimantan training exercise

Indonesia has detained dozens of Chinese nationals following an attack on Indonesian military personnel during a training exercise in Ketapang Regency, West Kalimantan, authorities said on 16 December 2025, as investigations continue into the incident and the legal status of the foreign workers involved.

The Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) confirmed that four soldiers from the Combat Engineer Battalion (Zipur) 6/Division Unit were attacked on 14 December 2025, while conducting a unit training session on land owned by gold mining company PT Sultan Rafli Mandiri (SRM). The incident occurred at around 3:40 p.m. local time.

Drone sighting triggered initial confrontation

Head of Information for the XII/Tanjungpura Regional Military Command, Infantry Colonel Yusub Dody Sandra, said the confrontation began after soldiers responded to a report from PT SRM security personnel about a drone flying near the training area.

Upon investigation, the soldiers encountered four foreign nationals from Beijing operating the unmanned aircraft.

“When they were questioned, 11 other foreign nationals suddenly appeared and attacked the soldiers,” Yusub said in a written statement.

The attackers were suspected of carrying machetes, airsoft guns and an electric shock device.

Facing a numerically superior group, the soldiers chose to withdraw to the company’s operational area to avoid further escalation and to report the incident to their superiors.

Property damage reported, no military casualties

The attack caused material damage, including a company-owned Toyota Hilux that was severely damaged and a Honda Vario motorcycle belonging to a PT SRM employee.

The TNI said no soldiers were killed or injured in the incident.

Separately, the Directorate General of Immigration confirmed that 26 Chinese nationals have been detained in connection with the incident and are currently being held at the Ketapang Immigration Office.

Acting Director General of Immigration Yuldi Yusman said officers are examining the detainees’ immigration documents and coordinating with other agencies.

“Our central office team has been deployed to Ketapang to assist local immigration officers, with support from the police and TNI,” Yuldi said at a press conference in Jakarta on 16 December.

“All foreign nationals who have been secured are undergoing verification of their immigration status.”

Yuldi said the number of detainees could increase, as a total of 34 foreign nationals were believed to be present at the mining site.

Authorities probe motives, permits and sponsors

Some were not detained during the initial operation because they were in Pontianak to extend visas, receiving medical treatment, or staying at accommodation in the Tumbang Titi area.

Immigration authorities are also investigating the sponsors responsible for bringing the foreign nationals into Indonesia, while alleged acts of vandalism and violence will be handled separately by the Ketapang Regional Police.

The TNI said the motive behind the attack and the purpose of the drone flight near the military training location remain under investigation, including whether the foreign nationals had proper permits to conduct activities in the area.