inp.polri.go.id - Kupang. The Burhan URC Team from the Ende Sub-regional Police Criminal Investigation Unit, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Regional Police, foiled the alleged recruitment of 21 prospective Indonesian migrant workers illegally by apprehending a man identified as SK.
"The suspect, SK, was transporting 21 people to Kalimantan by boat without following proper procedures," said the Head of Public Relations of the NTT Regional Police, Senior Superintendent Henry Novika Chandra, in Kupang on Monday (8/4/2026).
He explained that the case stemmed from information received from the public regarding a group of prospective workers from Ngada Regency who were heading to Sikka Regency and were suspected of being sent to Kalimantan by ship.
"The Burhan URC Team from the Ende Sub-regional Police Criminal Investigation Unit immediately followed up on this information by conducting an investigation and successfully stopping the group in Ende Regency," he said.
A team led by the Head of the Mobile Criminal Investigation Unit of the Ende Sub-regional Police, Second Police Assistant Inspector Arnoldus Atubogo, along with his team then secured the man with the initials of SK, who is suspected of being involved in recruiting and transporting prospective migrant workers.
In addition to apprehending the alleged perpetrators, police rescued 21 prospective migrant workers, confiscated three travel vehicles used to transport them, and a cell phone suspected of being connected to the recruitment activities.
Currently, investigators from the police are still questioning the alleged perpetrators, the prospective migrant workers, and several witnesses to investigate the alleged human trafficking crime.
Investigators are also gathering evidence, examining the modus operandi, and preparing a case presentation to determine the next legal steps.
NTT Regional Police Chief Inspector General Rudi Darmoko commended the swift response of Ende Police personnel who successfully prevented the alleged departure of dozens of prospective migrant workers through non-procedural channels.
"The NTT Regional Police are committed to taking firm action against any perpetrators of human trafficking in accordance with applicable law. Human trafficking prevention efforts will continue to be strengthened through synergy with local governments, relevant agencies, and active community participation," he said.
He urged the public not to be easily tempted by job offers promising high salaries without going through official channels and to ensure the legality of migrant worker placement companies.
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