Bemused envoys to aid Kiwi doctor

Indonesian  diplomats have been left embarrassed by local immigration officers' threats to deport a Kiwi doctor who has just been given an award by the country's president for his hunanitarian work.

The Indonesian embassy in Wellington said yesterday it could not explain the actions of officials who seized the passport of Derek Allen, a volunteer providing medical treatment on remote islands off Sumatra since the 2004 tsunami.

Embassy secretary Tri Purnajaya said staff had contacted government officials in Jakarta, Indonesia's capital, and Sibolga, the local immigration office handling Dr Allen's case, to try to help his case.

"We've been doing our utmost to facilitate this matter with Indonesian officials."

The situation was particularly embarrassing because the Indonesian Government had just awarded Dr Allen a certificate of appreciation for his humanitarian work.

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono personally acknowledged Dr Allen's work by signing the certificate, which was presented to a representative of Dr Allen's in Wellington last Tuesday.

Dr Allen, who has been offering free medical care on the remote island of Nias, more than 100 kilometres off Sumatra's west coast, had his passport seized and was threatened with deportation after he visited the Sibolga immigration office last week.

Mr Purnajaya said it was possible the problems arose after Dr Allen flew his helicopter to rescue an Australian surfer, because he did not have the correct paperwork to fly it in Indonesia.

He was hopeful the situation could be resolved and that Dr Allen could continue working in Indonesia.

"Certainly [we'd like him to], because he has after all received an award and he is doing positive things in Indonesia."

The Foreign Affairs and Trade Ministry has said consular staff in Indonesia are monitoring the situation.