RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – The Greater Jakarta Metropolitan Police (Polda Metro Jaya) has uncovered a suspected human trafficking network involving the illegal departure of Indonesian migrant workers under false promises.

Victims were initially told they would work as domestic helpers in Turkey but were instead sent to Libya, where they allegedly faced exploitation.

Police spokesperson Sr. Com. Budi Hermanto said victims endured severe abuse, including withheld wages, violence, threats, passport confiscation, restricted freedom, and grueling hours without proper rest.

“We continue to coordinate with the Indonesian Migrant Worker Protection Service Agency (BP3MI), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Indonesian representatives abroad to ensure victims’ rights are protected,” he said on July 24, as quoted on the Indonesian National Police website.

The investigation, led by Director of the General Criminal Investigation Directorate Sr. Com. Iman Imanuddin, began after reports of Indonesians being trafficked to Libya. Since July 3, police have examined 25 witnesses, mapped international networks, and seized evidence.

Two suspects -- R and DY -- have been charged. R allegedly controlled recruitment, while DY handled victim sourcing and travel arrangements, including health checks, passports, visas, and transport to Soekarno-Hatta Airport.

Victims were lured with promises of salaries around IDR 7 million (USD 389) per month and upfront payments to families of IDR 2.5–3 million (USD 139–167).

Instead of Turkey, the workers were diverted to Libya, where they lacked legal protection. Police said the probe is ongoing to expose further links both domestically and abroad. “The state is present to protect its citizens. We will continue to pursue this network,” Iman affirmed.

The suspects face charges under Article 455 of the Criminal Code (KUHP), carrying penalties of three to 15 years in prison and fines, as well as Articles 4 and 10 of the 2007 Anti-Human Trafficking Law, which impose additional prison terms and fines up to IDR 600 million (USD 33,395).

BP3MI Chief Sr. Com. Singgih Hermawan praised the police action and pledged full support for victim assistance, legal rights, and coordination with relevant agencies. He urged the public to avoid illegal job offers abroad. “Always use official channels for overseas employment to prevent falling into trafficking schemes,” he said.

This case underscores the growing urgency of dismantling human trafficking networks and ensuring Indonesian migrant workers are protected through legal migration pathways. ***