Inp.polri.go.id - Mataram.  The Mataram Immigration Office, West Nusa Tenggara, has uncovered a transnational human smuggling syndicate involving 16 Bangladeshi citizens attempting to reach Australia illegally. 

"Following public information, we secured the suspects in three separate houses in Batulayar, West Lombok and placed them in immigration detention," said Mataram Immigration Chief Mirza Akbar on Monday (28/7/2025).

Investigations revealed that a 33-year-old Bangladeshi man, identified by initials SJ, masterminded the operation. Nine others acted as recruiters, gathering Bangladeshi nationals, while six were identified as victims of trafficking.

Authorities suspect violations of the Law No. 6/2011 on Immigration, particularly Articles 113 and 119 paragraph 1, which criminalize illegal entry or exit from Indonesian territory. The law carries a maximum sentence of five years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to Rp 500 million.

The investigation is ongoing, with possible transnational links under review.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)