This masthead reported in March that a group of 15 Chinese men had been asking through Kupang to come to Australia, but were turned away because local fishermen were reluctant.
Acting on a tip from the Australian Federal Police, West Timor police interviewed the men but had to let them go because no crime had been committed by asking questions.
Last known by local police, the group had left the Kupang region and presumably returned to China. But Ariasandy said one of those men was among the six discovered Wednesday.
Other attempts to reach Australia this year have been thwarted, including a ship from Vietnam and another from Papua New Guinea carrying African men. Trepang, or sea cucumber, fishermen regularly arrive in Australian territory.
The Australian Border Force did not respond to requests for information.
