Indonesian Police Halt Human Trafficking of 9 Illegal Migrants Trying to Reach Malaysia

Grand Commissioner Henry Novika Chandra, Head of Public Relations for the NTT Regional Police, revealed that the suspect, identified as TN, recruited the nine victims by promising them jobs at a chicken farm in Sabah, Malaysia.

"He promised a salary of Rp5 million per month," Henry said in a written statement on Monday, June 2, 2025.

Investigations showed TN planned to send the victims on the Passenger Motor Ship (KMP) Inerie II, owned by PT Angkutan Sungai, Danau dan Penyeberangan (ASDP) Indonesia Ferry, bound for Larantuka. Henry noted that TN is the uncle of the victims.

During questioning, TN admitted this was not his first time recruiting workers illegally, having done so three times before: "Two people in 2023, three people in 2024, and nine people in 2025," Henry added.

Authorities also found that TN received funding from a sponsor based in Malaysia. "The police are currently conducting further investigation," Henry said.

TN is now detained at the NTT Regional Police Detention Center and faces charges under Article 2 paragraph (1) and Article 10 of Law Number 21 of 2007 on the Eradication of Human Trafficking, which carries a prison sentence of 3 to 15 years.

The nine victims have been handed over to the NTT Provincial Manpower and Transmigration Office for assistance and guidance before being reunited with their families.

Henry assured that TN will be firmly prosecuted with a transparent and professional legal process.

"There is no tolerance for human traffickers," he said.

NTT is a hotspot for human trafficking networks. The National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) reported that 657 illegal PMIs from NTT returned lifeless between 2020 and 2024, based on data from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.