Alleged Illegal Abortion and Baby Trafficking Practices in Mataram Spark Outrage
The Mataram Child Protection Agency (LPA) has received a complaint regarding alleged illegal abortion practices at a hospital in Mataram, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB). In addition, a baby trafficking practice has also emerged, allegedly involving an obstetrician in the area.
LPA Mataram chairman Joko Jumadi revealed that the alleged illegal abortion practice began when the victim, who was still in high school, was impregnated by her boyfriend. When the victim demanded accountability, the boyfriend’s family instead took her to a hospital to have an abortion.
“Initially the victim was impregnated by her boyfriend. Then the victim asked for accountability, but the boyfriend’s family instead took her to that hospital and paid for the abortion,” Joko told detikBali on Sunday (30/8/2026).
The alleged illegal abortion practice came to light after the victim’s family reported it to LPA Mataram last week. Based on the victim’s and her family’s statements to LPA Mataram, the alleged illegal abortion occurred when the victim was under 18 years old.
“The victim’s family only found out about a month ago. And they immediately reported it to the LPA,” Joko explained.
Joko said the aborted foetus was two months old at the time. The illegal abortion was allegedly carried out at a private hospital in Mataram.
According to the victim’s report, the illegal abortion fee reached Rp 15 million. “The fee was Rp 15 million. The victim was initially given medication, then experienced bleeding, and was then subjected to curettage,” Joko said.
Joko stated that the victim is now in good health and staying at a safe house. He emphasised that his team is investigating the possibility of other victims in the illegal abortion practice. “We suspect there are quite a lot. This has been going on for quite a long time,” he added.
LPA Mataram plans to bring the alleged illegal abortion case to the NTB Regional Police. In addition, a suspected baby trafficking case has also emerged involving an obstetrician at a hospital in Mataram.
Joko revealed that his team has detected a pattern of legal violations. He suspects the obstetrician in Mataram is involved in the trafficking of babies born from extramarital relationships.
“If a woman is pregnant, this doctor provides two options. The first option is abortion if the gestational age allows. If abortion is not possible, she will be connected with someone for adoption,” Joko said.
Joko said the suspected baby trafficking case at a private hospital emerged after receiving reports from several residents in West Lombok. The illegal adoption process was uncovered after the baby’s adoptive parents became entangled in legal problems.
“Because they were worried the baby would be affected by the problem, the neighbours of the adoptive parents reported it to LPA Mataram. The person who reported it was a resident who was a neighbour of the adoptive family,” Joko said.
“Meanwhile, the biological mother of the baby is a university student from East Lombok,” he continued.
Based on LPA Mataram’s investigation, the doctor is suspected of acting as an intermediary by offering several names of women about to give birth to prospective adoptive parents. According to Joko, when confronted, the doctor admitted to only helping connect the parties.
“At that time no one admitted it. The doctor claimed to be an intermediary. This doctor is already a specialist,” Joko revealed.
Joko said his team has cancelled the illegal adoption process. The baby has been returned to its biological mother. Joko emphasised that LPA Mataram has coordinated with law enforcement regarding the alleged illegal abortion and baby adoption cases.
“We are communicating with law enforcement on how to handle this case. The first step is to uncover the syndicate of abortion victims. We cannot allow this to continue. Especially since this is carried out by a hospital and an obstetrician,” he concluded.