Bareskrim Reveals International TIP Network Sending Illegal Workers To Bahrain

JAKARTA - The Directorate of PPA and PPO Bareskrim Polri has succeeded in uncovering an international network of people trafficking crimes (TPPO) operating in Bahrain. The network has been carrying out the practice of recruiting and sending illegal migrant workers since 2022.

The Director of Criminal Acts of PPA and PPO Bareskrim Polri, Brigadier General Nurul Azizah, said that this disclosure began with a report by one of the victims who worked in Bahrain as an attendant spa.

The victim was recruited through the LPK in Bandar Lampung with the lure of work as a waitress and housekeeping hotel, but when he arrived in Bahrain, he experienced exploitation.

In this case, three people were named as suspects with the initials SG, RH, and NH. They used the high-paid job offer mode as a cover to ensnare the victim.

"The victims were promised decent jobs abroad, but in reality they were employed not according to the promised contract and did not get the promised wages. This is clearly a form of exploitation and violation of the rights of migrant workers," said Nurul in his statement quoted Monday, June 9.

The three suspects have different roles. It was stated that SG acted as an intermediary who had direct contact with the employer in Bahrain and received money from the victim.

RH as the director of LPK takes care of the victim's passport and receives departure funds, while NH as a LPK staff arranges work documents and departures of victims.

"From the results of the examination, this network has sent a number of victims since 2022 with profits reaching hundreds of millions of rupiah. We have also confiscated a number of evidences such as passports, visas, work contracts, to account books and communication tools," said Nurul.

The suspects were charged with Article 4 of Law no. 21 of 2007 concerning the Eradication of TIP with a maximum threat of 15 years in prison, as well as Article 81 and Article 86 of Law no. 18 of 2017 concerning the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers.

The National Police has also transferred files and evidence to the Bandar Lampung District Attorney for further legal proceedings. SG was transferred on February 27, 2025, while RH and NH were transferred to June 3, 2025.

On the other hand, Nurul also appealed to the public not to be easily tempted by foreign work offers without the clarity of the company's documents and legality.

"We remind the public to always check the legality of placement companies and ensure a clear work contract. Do not let them become victims of persuasion by sponsors or advertisements on social media," said Nurul.