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![Officers investigated suspects of a human trafficking case of an international network that sent illegal Indonesian migrant workers (PMI) to Bahrain [ANTARA/HO-National Police Public Relations Division/rst]](https://media.theindonesia.id/thumbs/2025/02/26/70585-investigation/653x366-img-70585-investigation.jpg)
TheIndonesia.id - The Directorate of Human Trafficking, Women, and Child Protection of the National Police Criminal Investigation Unit has uncovered a human trafficking case involving an international network responsible for sending illegal Indonesian migrant workers (PMI) to Bahrain.
According to Antara News Agency, Senior Commissioner Amingga Meilana Primastito, Head of Sub-Directorate III, revealed on Wednesday that three suspects were apprehended in connection with the operation. The suspects, identified as SG, RH, and NH, each had distinct roles in the trafficking scheme.
SG acted as a liaison with employers in Bahrain and received payments from the victims, while RH, the director of a job training institution (LPK), was in charge of issuing passports, collecting fees from victims, and overseeing the departure process. NH, an LPK staff member, handled the victims' work and departure documentation.
The case came to light after a victim reported being promised a job 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 traffickers then prepared the victim's passports, visas, and plane tickets.
Primastito noted that this trafficking network has been operational since 2022, generating profits amounting to hundreds of millions of rupiah.
"We are continuing to develop this case in cooperation with the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK) to trace the financial flow. We are also working with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Police's International Relations Division to investigate the network abroad," he added.
The three suspects face charges 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$35,000). They are also charged under Articles 81 and 86 letter (c) of Law Number 18 of 2017 regarding the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers, with penalties of up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to Rp15 billion (US$892,000).
Primastito also urged the public to be more cautious when considering job offers abroad, emphasizing the importance of official permits and valid work contracts to protect migrant workers' rights.
"Do not be easily tempted by job offers without official permits. Ensure the placement company is legally authorized and offers a valid contract," he warned.
