Jakarta – Authorities of Silawan village in East Tasifeto, Belu regency, East Nusa Tenggara, which lies on the Indonesian border with Timor Leste, have started to identify and deport citizens of Timor Leste staying in the village ahead of the April 9 legislative election.

"We do not want any disruptions, especially before the election," Silawan village chief Ferdy Mones said as quoted by Antara news agency on Monday.

He said that the Indonesian Military (TNI)'s Border Security Task Force (Satgas Pamtas), village supervisory non-commissioned officers (Babinsa), sub-precinct police officers, and village authorities were involved in the operation. Religious and communal leaders are also getting involved.

Ferdy said that many Timorese that had entered the village using the cross-border pass (PLB) but did not report to the village authorities. He argued that this situation might have negative repercussions on the Silawan villagers.

While admitting that residents living on both sides of the border were still blood relatives, Ferdy said things changed when Timor Leste seceded from Indonesia.

"We need to record and deport the Timorese to prevent clashes with local villagers," he said. "If we find them, we will send them back to Timor Leste"

Ferdy said such measures were becoming more pressing ahead of the legislative election. "We need to identify villagers for the election, foreigners will be sent home," he said. (atw/nvn)