BANDUNG — The Criminal Investigation Unit (Satreskrim) of the Bandung City Resort Police (Polresta Bandung) has uncovered an alleged human trafficking (TPPO) syndicate operating under the guise of job offers in Malaysia. Investigators named two suspects, identified by the initials AF (24) and IE (24), while two victims, SSA (19) and KL (18), have safely returned to Indonesia.
The investigation began following a report filed by the victim’s family. SSA’s father, WG (64), reported his daughter’s disappearance to Polresta Bandung in late September 2026. Armed with this initial report, investigators traced the victim’s communication records and mapped out the roles of every individual involved in the network.
Mapping the Roles of Recruiters, Handlers, and Couriers
Investigation findings revealed that recruitment took place starting in late June 2026 via a WhatsApp group, where victims were promised overseas employment with salaries reaching approximately Rp30 million. On July 11, 2026, victim SSA departed from Bandung to Jakarta, continued to Pontianak, and subsequently entered Malaysia without valid immigration documents.
Bandung Police Chief, Police Grand Attendant (Kombes Pol.) Tri Suhartanto, explained that upon arriving in Malaysia, the victims were subjected to exploitation in prostitution rings rather than legitimate employment.
During questioning, suspects AF and IE admitted to sheltering and escorting the victims during their departure. AF claimed to have acted under instructions from an older sibling in Malaysia in exchange for Rp1 million per person dispatched. Investigators are treating this confession as preliminary evidence that continues to be verified.
Alongside the arrests, police confiscated two mobile phones, photographs of travel tickets, chat logs between the victims and suspects, and passport documents.
Cross-Border Coordination and Legal Charges
Through close coordination with the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia (KJRI) in Malaysia, two additional individuals identified as WY and IR—suspected of housing the victims and arranging their exploitation in Malaysia—are now being handled by local immigration authorities. Further investigation is underway to track down other potential accomplices. Meanwhile, both victims are currently receiving intensive assistance and counseling from the regency and provincial governments.
For their actions, AF and IE have been charged under Article 4 and/or Article 10 of Law No. 21 of 2007 on the Eradication of Human Trafficking, as well as Article 81 juncto Article 69 and Article 83 juncto Article 68 of Law No. 18 of 2017 on the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers. Both suspects face a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and fines of up to Rp15 billion.
This series of breakthroughs demonstrates a structured investigative process—from following up on family reports and mapping recruitment trails to securing evidence and ensuring the safe repatriation of victims. Authorities urge the public to verify the legality of all overseas job offers through official government channels before departing.