Commissioner Yandri Mono, head of the unit, said on Wednesday that his team secured the 16 individuals and arrested two suspects, identified by the initials E and H.
“The suspects aimed to profit from each departure, charging Rp1–2 million (US$58–116) per person,” Mono said.
Investigators also uncovered the alleged involvement of a foreign national who financed the operation. “We’re currently following up on the suspects’ statements, including the role of the foreign financier,” he added.
The migrant workers were being sent abroad using tourist visas—a common tactic to disguise undocumented departures.
Mono explained that the operation was foiled after police received intelligence about a planned departure to Saudi Arabia on September 1, 2025, via TransNusa flight 8B 673 from Jakarta to Kuala Lumpur. From there, the group was scheduled to travel to Jeddah via Bengaluru, India.
Before boarding, police intercepted the group for questioning. Subsequent investigations led Unit V of the Mobile Brigade to track down the suspects, who were arrested on September 3 in Cipayung, East Jakarta.
Both suspects and evidence were taken to Soekarno-Hatta Police Headquarters for further investigation.
Mono also reported that between January and September 2025, his unit had prevented the illegal departure of 645 migrant workers, mostly bound for Cambodia, Malaysia, and Middle Eastern countries.
“This reflects our commitment to protecting Indonesian citizens from human trafficking and labor exploitation abroad,” he said.
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Translator: Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
