Case Of Trafficking In Persons In Maluku, Police Arrest 12 Suspects

JAKARTA - Maluku Regional Police (Polda) and their ranks have arrested 12 suspects from 10 police reports related to the Case of Trafficking in Persons (TPPO).

Director of General Criminal Investigation (Dirkrimum) of the Maluku Regional Police Kombes Pol Andri Iskandar said the handling of TIP in the Maluku region was based on the President's Instruction to the Police since June 6, 2023.

"Since then until now the Police, especially the Maluku Regional Police, have carried out TIP operations. In Maluku, the TIP Task Force has been formed," he said, quoting Antara.

After the TIP Task Force was formed until July 11, 2023, there were 10 cases handled. These cases are spread across a number of areas in Maluku.

"So of the 10 cases we have handled, there are 12 suspects. One LP (Police Report) has two suspects," he said.

Those arrested acted as pimps. "This means that those who prepare minors are used for sexual exploitation," he said.

Currently, the cases revealed in the Maluku region are related to sexual exploitation of minors.

"What we found were all minors, very sad, some high school, some junior high school. Most of them are in the city of Ambon," he said.

This case needs the concern of all parties. Not only the police but also parents. "The relevant agencies and agencies can give an appeal to the public regarding the phenomenon that occurs," he said.

According to Andri, there is always a possibility for such cases to occur. Therefore, it takes the attention of all components of society to jointly take precautions.

He explained that sexual exploitation is generally carried out using the MiChat application. There are also pimps who play a role in offering to minors.

Almost every night, the police check at lodging and boarding places. "That's where we found a collection of minors," he said.

In addition to law enforcement, the Maluku Police also take precautions by providing socialization to the public regarding the dangers of sexual exploitation. Socialization is carried out through Bhabinkamtibmas in every fostered village.

In handling the TIP case, his party does not only prioritize law enforcement because law enforcement is the last step.

"We, through Bhabinkamtibmas in the villages, encourage us to always provide socialization and understanding to the community," said Andri.