Starting from the Missing Child Report, the Police Uncover a Cross-Regional Child Trafficking Network

Director of Criminal Investigation of the Polda Metro Jaya, Kombes Pol Iman Imanuddin/ Photo: IST

JAKARTA - The West Jakarta Metro Police Criminal Investigation Unit has dismantled a case of Human Trafficking (TPPO) involving a cross-regional network. This disclosure began with a report from the community regarding a missing child, which then led to the practice of buying and selling children outside the area.

Director of Criminal Investigation of the Metro Jaya Police, Kombes Pol Iman Imanuddin, said that the report of the missing child was received by the West Jakarta Metro Police and was immediately followed up with an intensive investigation.

"From the public report, we conducted an investigation and obtained information that the child was in one of the areas in Sumatra," said Iman at a press conference at the Polda Metro Jaya, Friday, February 6, 2026.

Following up on the findings, the West Jakarta Metro Police Criminal Investigation Unit, in collaboration with the Directorate of General Criminal Investigation and the Directorate of Women and Children Protection and TPPO Polda Metro Jaya, conducted a search.

He explained that the location of the victim was in a remote area with limited access and a difficult terrain. Therefore, the joint team partnered with the local police to penetrate the area.

In addition, the police also coordinate with the Ministry of Empowerment of Women and Child Protection (KPPPA), the Child Protection Commission, as well as the Ministry and Social Services to ensure the safety and fulfillment of the rights of the victims.

"From the results of the investigation and investigation that we have carried out, we have managed to save four children who are victims of human trafficking," said Iman.

He revealed that most of the victims were five to six months old, while the oldest victim was three years old. All victims are now under the protection and care of the DKI Jakarta Social Service.

The joint team together with related agencies continues to monitor the condition of the victims, both in terms of physical health and psychological recovery.

"Children's rights are our main concern. Health examinations have been carried out and the victims are physically in good health. For psychological conditions, we continue to monitor," he explained.

In the disclosure of this case, the West Jakarta Metro Police named 10 suspects with different roles in the child trafficking network. All suspects are currently detained at the West Jakarta Metro Police Detention House.

The suspects are charged with the Child Protection Law and the Law on Eradication of Human Trafficking, with a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a fine of up to IDR 600 million.