NUNUKAN - The Law Enforcement Coordination Task Force for the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers (PMI) at the National Police Headquarters revealed a case of placing illegal immigrants who were strongly indicated as a criminal act of trafficking in persons (TPPO) in Nunukan, North Kalimantan (Kaltara).
The Director of Criminal Actions for the Protection of Women and Children and the Eradication of Trafficking in Persons (PPA-PO) Bareskrim Polri Brigadier General Nurul Azizah said this case was revealed thanks to public reports regarding the alleged illegal delivery of Indonesian citizens to Malaysia via North Kalimantan to be employed as household assistants and oil palm plantation workers.
"We together with other joint personnel carried out an inspection of the passengers of the KM ship. Thalia on Monday, May 5, 2025, revealed 4 cases with 3 suspects and managed to save as many as 19 victims, then conducted an inspection of the passengers of the KM ship. Bukit Sigungtang on Tuesday, May 6, 2025 and succeeded in uncovering 5 cases with 4 suspects and rescuing 63 victims, bringing a total of 9 police reports with 7 suspects and rescuing 82 victims," said Brigadier General Nurul Azizah, Wednesday, May 8.
The modus operandi used is to send PMI non-procedurally through small ports in the Nunukan area, especially Sebatik Island to Malaysia by asking for a fee of Rp. 4,500,000. to Rp. 7,500,000.000 to victims who have passports or not.
"The evidence that was secured was 14 passports, 13 cellphones, 13 ship tickets, 2 leave letters from Malaysian companies and 3 vaccine cards from clinics in Malaysia," he said.
The suspects were charged with Article 81 in conjunction with Article 69 of Law Number 18 of 2017 concerning PMI Protection, Article 4 of Law Number 21 of 2007 concerning TIP and Article 120 paragraph 2 of Law Number 06 of 2011 concerning Immigration.
"We urge the public not to easily believe in promises / persuasion or imings either through recruiters / sponsors or social media, please question the validity of the company and employment contracts so that PMIs can be protected by their rights as migrant workers and also encourage the Regional Government to provide skills training for those who want to work abroad," continued Brigadier General Nurul Azizah.
The Law Enforcement Task Force for the Protection of Indonesian Workers will continue to enforce the law consistently and firmly in the hope of bringing benefits and a sense of security to Indonesian citizens.
The English, Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, and French versions are automatically generated by the AI. So there may still be inaccuracies in translating, please always see Indonesian as our main language. (system supported by DigitalSiber.id)
