Sixteen asylum seekers have come ashore in Indonesia after their boat was turned back from Australia, police said on Friday, prompting fresh concern from Jakarta over Canberra's tough immigration policies.
An Australian navy boat had reportedly been spotted last week towing an Indonesian fishing vessel away from the Australian territory of Christmas Island.
Australia denies resettlement to political refugees arriving on boats and turns vessels back when it is safe to do so, despite criticism of the hardline policy.
Thirteen migrants from India, two from Nepal and one Bangladeshi came ashore on Thursday evening in Tablolong, on Timor island in eastern Indonesia, and the ship's captain was also detained, local police spokesman Jules Abraham Abas said.
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Indonesian news agency Antara quoted a resident as saying the people were rescued from their boat after running out of fuel off the coast and locals heard their cries for help.
Australia's hardline approach has caused particular tensions with Indonesia, the transit point for many would-be refugees en route to Australia, and the news of another boat turn-back prompted fresh worries.