Penajam Police Arrest 15-Year-Old Child Seller As Song Guide

Illustration of human trafficking (ANTARA)

Penajam Paser Utara Police, East Kalimantan, revealed a criminal case of trafficking in persons (TPPO) with the victim of a 15-year-old girl who was employed as a song guide in a cafe in Penajam District.

"We have revealed a case of trafficking in persons based on information obtained from the public," said Head of the Penajam Paser Utara Police Criminal Investigation Unit, Adjunct Senior Commissioner of Police Dian Kusnawan, quoted by ANTARA, November 12.

North Penajam Paser Police Satreskrim personnel conducted an investigation until they found trafficking activities and found underage girls as karaoke song guides as well as accompanying visitors.

"The personnel immediately arrested a man who traded a person with the initials AM (60) on Tuesday at 03.00 WITA," he added.

The public provided information that in one of the cafes located on Sipakario Beach, Nipah-Nipah Village, Penajam District, selling alcoholic beverages, and providing karaoke places with song guides are minors to accompany visitors.

He said the victim would receive direct assistance and rehabilitation from the North Penajam Paser Regency Office, Child Protection and Family Planning (P3AKB).

The perpetrators of TIP were charged with Article 88 in conjunction with Article 78 of the Republic of Indonesia Law Number 17 of 2016 concerning Child Protection with a maximum imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum fine of Rp. 200 million.

In addition, the perpetrators are also subject to Article 2 Paragraph (1) of the Republic of Indonesia Law Number 21 of 2006 concerning TIP with a maximum imprisonment of 15 years and a maximum fine of Rp600 million.

"The underage girl has been employed since 2023 at the cafe as a song guide as well as accompanying guests to drink alcoholic beverages," said Dian Kusnawan.