Nunukan Police Reveals Case Of Trafficking In Persons At The RI-Malaysia Border

NUNUKAN Polres Nunukan, North Kalimantan (Kaltara), revealed a criminal case of trafficking in persons (TPPO).

Most recently, the Nunukan Police, whose territory directly borders neighboring Malaysia, thwarted the TIP case against 41 people in Nunukan.

Nunukan Police Chief, AKBP Bonifasius Rumbewas said dozens of Indonesian Migrant Workers (PMI) were illegal to be brought to Malaysia.

"From the actions taken from October to the second week of November 2024, as many as 41 prospective illegal migrant workers, consisting of 34 adults and 7 children, we have succeeded in saving them from the criminal act of trafficking in persons," said AKBP Bonifasius Rumbewas, Monday, November 18.

Bonafius revealed that the prospective illegal workers were secured in several different locations in Nunukan Regency, such as in temporary shelters, Sungai Bolong Traditional Ports, and the New Order Hakim Bridge.

"The majority of victims were found at Tunon Taka Port. The prospective migrant workers are planned to be illegally dispatched to oil palm plantations in Kalabakan, Tawau, and Kundasang, Malaysia," he explained.

From the results of the investigation, it was revealed that the victim was required to pay a departure fee of around 450 to 1,300 Malaysian ringgit or equivalent to Rp. 1.5 million to Rp. 4.5 million.

"The suspects provide temporary shelter facilities and take care of transportation for illegal crossings," he explained.

"The suspects are subject to articles in Law Number 21 of 2007 concerning PTPPO and Law Number 18 of 2017 concerning the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers," continued the Nunukan Police Chief.

He emphasized that the TIP case was part of a humanitarian crime that would continue to be fought.

"This is a crime against humanity, and we will continue to fight together with all APH agencies on the RI's border," he said.

From January to November 2024, his party managed to uncover 17 cases of illegal migrant workers smuggling, with the number of victims reaching 83 people.

Of the total cases, 10 were included in the TIP category and the remaining 7 violated the Immigration Law.

"A total of 20 suspects have been arrested, consisting of 12 men and 6 women, while 2 others are still fugitives. Some of these cases have been processed to the P-21 stage, while other cases are still under investigation and investigation," he said.