Bali Regional Police spokesperson Senior Commissioner Ariasandy said the officer was arrested for allegedly coordinating with recruitment agencies to send workers abroad under false promises.
In total, six suspects have been charged in the case, including the officer, and all have been held at the Bali Regional Police detention center since Oct. 16.
Ariasandy said the suspects lured victims by offering high salaries, then trapped them in debt and forced them into unsuitable work conditions.
“Victims were placed in holding facilities lacking toilets and proper food, with treatment that was far from humane,” he said.
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Four suspects were charged under Article 2(1) and/or Article 10 of Law No. 21/2007 on the eradication of human trafficking, in conjunction with Article 55 of the Criminal Code.
The police officer and another suspect face additional charges under Article 8(1) of the same law.
Police have identified 21 victims linked to the case, all believed to have been trafficked through the Benoa area. The victims have been repatriated and are receiving psychological support for trauma recovery.
Ariasandy said the Bali police are coordinating with the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI) to ensure victims receive legal protection and assistance.
“We are committed to handling this case transparently and providing full support to the victims,” he said.
Related news: Lawmakers call for action to curb human trafficking in North Sumatra
Translator: Rolandus Nampu, Cindy Frishanti Octavia
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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