Inp.polri.go.id - West Java. The Sumedang Sub-Regional Police and Bandung Sub-Regional City Police from West Java Regional Police have uncovered human trafficking crimes (TPPO) cases.
The first case came to light when the Bandung Sub-Regional City Police's Criminal Investigation Unit arrested a suspect identified as AD (47) in the area of Sukamantri Village, Paseh District, Bandung Regency. Police Senior Superintendent Kusworo Wibowo, the Chief of Bandung Sub-Regional City Police, explained during a press conference on Monday, June 12, 2023, that AD had recruited a victim identified as YS (31) for overseas employment.
"The suspect deceived the victim by pretending to be a legitimate agency that facilitated job opportunities, specifically for sending workers to Saudi Arabia," he said.
Within three weeks of recruitment, YS was sent to Saudi Arabia and worked there for a duration of 7 to 8 months. Upon arrival, YS was employed as a domestic helper. However, during their employment, YS received only plain rice without accompanying dishes and had only two meals per day. Additionally, the employer made multiple attempts to sexually harass the victim.
"These statements are based on the victim's testimony, and in November 2022, the victim asked their family for money to return to Indonesia," he added.
AD has been charged under Article 4 of Law Number 21 of 2007 concerning human trafficking, which carries a minimum sentence of 3 years and a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, along with a fine of up to IDR 15 billion.
In the second case, the Sumedang Sub-Regional Police arrested a married couple identified as Y (46) and RS (39). Police Superintendent Indra Setiawan, the Chief of Sumedang Sub-Regional Police, revealed that the couple frequently offered opportunities for overseas employment or becoming Indonesian migrant workers (PMI).
The suspects lured potential victims, identified as LAD and NSP, by enticing them with promises of high-paying jobs in Dubai, offering a salary of USD 300.
"However, when the victims were awaiting the passport issuance process, the suspects sent them to Syria instead. They were left stranded in Syria and did not receive the promised jobs. At present, they remain at the Indonesian Embassy in Syria, awaiting repatriation to Indonesia," he said.
As a consequence of their actions, the suspects are charged under Article 2, paragraphs (1) and (2), or Article 4, or Article 10 of Law Number 21 of 2007 concerning Human Trafficking, as well as Article 69 in conjunction with Article 81, or Article 72, letter (b) in conjunction with Article 86, letter (b) of Law Number 18 of 2017 concerning the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers (PMI). The maximum penalties for these charges include 15 years in prison and a fine of up to IDR 600 million.
(ay/hn/um)
