The group was discovered near the city of Kupang, and believed to be heading to Australia.
Indonesian police have caught six Chinese nationals and six suspected people smugglers were believed to be attempting an illegal boat journey to Australia.
In February, 39 Pakistan, Bangladesh and Indian citizens also reached WA with Indonesian people smugglers. All the would-be immigrants from both ventures were rounded up in Australia and sent to Nauru for processing.NTT senior commander Ariasandy, who like many Indonesians goes by one name, said officers on a routine patrol approached the boat on May 8, only for it to speed up and away.
Acting on a tip-off from the Australian Federal Police, West Timor police interviewed the men, but had to let them go because no offence had been committed by asking questions.
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