The Rise Of Troubled Shipping Service Agencys In The Muara Baru Area, Police Will Check Licensing

The Penjaringan Metro Police are still investigating the licensing of a number of shipping agencies and the recruitment of prospective crew members (ABK) in the Muara Baru area, Penjaringan, North Jakarta, following the escape of prospective crew members from the mess some time ago.

"We are still investigating the licensing issue. It's only related to employing crew members on ships, indeed the area around the crime scene has many agencies that accommodate crew members," said Head of Criminal Investigation Unit of the Penjaringan Police, AKP Sampson Sosa Hutapea when confirmed, Monday, August 11, 2025.

The Penjaringan Metro Police together with the local RT/RW and Sub-districts as well as other relevant stakeholders will conduct an investigation into the licensing of a number of ABK shelter agencies.

"We, together with existing stakeholders, regarding the licensing of the ABK holding agency and then the SOP, how to commit to the ship, with prospective crew members, we will discuss it again. Do not let this incident happen again," he said.

AKP Sampson said the incident of the escape of prospective crew members was a lesson for agencies and crew members regarding the work contracts offered.

"This is also a lesson for local residents for ABK candidates that what kind of commitment has been agreed upon. What must be carried out and what must not be carried out," he said.

Meanwhile, the incident of the escape of 3 prospective crew members from the mess is a form of victim dissatisfaction with the work contract of the shipping agency.

"That many of these crew members did not fulfill the promised agreement. Then they felt they were waiting too long, when they left for board the ship, then they left the mess," he said.

Kanit ensured that the incident was not a crime of confinement as was the case in the media.

"We have gone to the location and it is not confinement," he said.

Previously, it was reported that three prospective crew members from Majalengka were suspected of being victims of a criminal act of trafficking in persons (TPPO) in the Penjaringan area, North Jakarta.

The three victims named Richi Andrea (20), Ahmad Syawaludin (17), and Ryan Hidayat (20) managed to save themselves after previously being held captive by a gang of illegal work dealers.

The three victims were held captive after being deceived by applying for work as prospective crew members (ABK) through social media Facebook.

"Initially, from Facebook he was invited by friends to be greeted at home, he said he wanted to work in Jakarta or become a crew member in Muara Baru, he said it was a four-month contract," Richi admitted to reporters, Wednesday, August 6, 2025.

In the job vacancies (loops) advertised on Facebook, the salary value is around Rp. 6 million. The three victims, who were previously just buskers, finally ventured to apply and come to North Jakarta.