Head of Sub-Directorate III of the Directorate of Human Trafficking, Women and Children Protection, Senior Commissioner Amingga Meilana Primastito, noted in a statement on Wednesday that his side has apprehended three suspects, identified by the initials SG, RH, and NH.
Each one played a distinct role in the trafficking operation, with SG liaising with employers in Bahrain and receiving money from the victim.
Meanwhile, RH served as the director of a job training institution (LPK), overseeing the issuance of the victim's passports, collecting money from the victim, and directing the departure process.
NH, an LPK staff, managed the victim's work and departure documents.
According to Primastito, this case came to light following a report from a victim who was initially promised employment as a waiter and hotel housekeeper but was instead forced to work as a spa attendant in Bahrain.
The victim had paid a departure fee of Rp15 million (US$892). The perpetrators then prepared various documents, such as passports, visas, and plane tickets, for the victim.
Primastito noted that this network has been operational since 2022, generating profits of up to hundreds of millions of rupiah.
"We continue to develop this case and work with the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK) to track the money. We are also coordinating with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Police's International Relations Division to uncover the network abroad," he stated.
The three suspects are charged under Article 4 of Law Number 21 of 2007 concerning the Eradication of Human Trafficking, which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison and a fine of up to Rp600 million (US$35 thousand).
Additionally, they were charged under Article 81 and Article 86 letter (c) of Law Number 18 of 2017 concerning the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers, with potential penalties of up to 10 years imprisonment and a fine of up to Rp15 billion (US$892 thousand).
Primastito also cautioned the public to exercise greater vigilance about offers of work abroad.
"Do not be easily tempted by job offers without official permits. Make sure the placement company has clear legality and a valid work contract to protect migrant workers' rights," he emphasized.
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Translator: Nadia Putri R, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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