BENGKULU POLICE DETAIN THREE FOREIGN ARTIFACT HUNTERS

Bengkulu, March 6 (ANTARA) - Bengkulu police have detained three foreigners who were hunting artifacts in the ancient Fort Marlborough area without the required papers on Friday (March 5).
The three foreigners, identified by their initials as Hg (40), Rd (30) and Tp (28), were nabbed when they were prowling at night in what was once a British fort, the Bengkulu police headquarters' information officer, Adjunct Senior Commissioner Y Suyetmo, said here Saturday.

The local police sent a few of their men to the location after receiving a report from the security guard unit stationed at the old fort complex which is now one of the province's landmark tourist attractions.

According to the complex's security officers, the three foreigners were exploring the old fort with the help of some modern tools, he said.

The local authorities had declared the complex a protected area because it was of great historical significance and believed to be still holding some hidden treasures.

During preliminary questioning, the three foreigners claimed to be scientific researchers although they did not carry any research permits and were unable to show their passports.

They said they had come from Jakarta where they were staying.