Indonesian authorities have broken an international human trafficking ring that sent illegal migrant workers to Bahrain.
Three suspects have been arrested in connection with the case, announced the Directorate of Human Trafficking, Women and Child Protection of the National Police Criminal Investigation Unit in Jakarta.
Victims reportedly paid money to the suspects and were promised jobs in the hospitality sector but were forced to work elsewhere upon arrival in Bahrain.
“The case came to light following a report from a victim who was initially promised employment as a waiter and hotel housekeeper but was instead forced to work as a spa attendant in Bahrain,” the directorate’s senior Commissioner Amingga Primastito told Antara Indonesian news agency yesterday.
The suspects were identified by their initials SG, RH and NH.
“Each one played a distinct role in the trafficking operation, with SG liaising with employers in Bahrain and receiving money from the victim,” said Mr Primastito.
RH worked as the director of a job training institution that dealt with issuing the victim’s passports, collecting money from him and facilitating the departure process.
NH and another staff at the institute managed the victim’s work and departure documents.
According to Mr Primastito, the victim had paid a departure fee of $892.
“The perpetrators then prepared various documents, such as passports, visas and plane tickets for the victim.
“This network has been operational since 2022, generating profits of up to hundreds of millions of (Indonesian) rupiah.”
The news agency added the suspects were charged under Article 4 of Law Number 21 of 2007 concerning the Eradication of Human Trafficking, which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $35,000.
They were also charged under Article 81 and Article 86 letter (c) of Law Number 18 of 2017 concerning the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers, with potential penalties of up to 10 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $892,000.
“We continue to investigate this case and work with the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre to track the money,” added Mr Primastito.
“We are also co-ordinating with the Foreign Ministry and the National Police’s International Relations Division to uncover the network abroad,” he added, urging people to exercise greater vigilance about overseas employment.
“Do not be easily tempted by job offers without official permits. Make sure the placement company has clear legality and a valid work contract to protect migrant workers’ rights,” he stressed.
The Indonesian government announced a moratorium on sending Indonesian domestic workers to the Middle East countries, including Bahrain, in 2015 following alleged abuses that workers suffered in these countries.
However, several Indonesian female workers defy the ban and evade immigration authorities by departing from Malaysia, Singapore and other Asean countries.
The GDN has seen several manpower firms advertising experienced Indonesian housemaids on social media accounts.
In November last year, Migrant Workers Protection Minister Abdul Kadir Karding announced Jakarta was reviewing and evaluating the moratorium, by setting clear regulations for employing its citizens.
sandy@gdnmedia.bh
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