Bali Police Receive Award from Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries for Uncovering KM Awindo 2A Trafficking Case
The Bali Regional Police (Polda Bali) has received an award from Indonesia’s Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP). The accolade was given in recognition of Polda Bali’s dedication to eradicating the crime of human trafficking (TPPO) in the maritime sector.
Polda Bali’s personnel were deemed successful in uncovering the case of exploitation of fishing vessel crew (AKP) on KM Awindo 2A, which garnered public attention throughout 2025. The award certificate was handed directly by the Director General of Marine Resources and Fisheries Surveillance (Dirjen PSDKP), Pung Nugroho Saksono, to Bali Police Chief Irjen Daniel Adityajaya on Thursday (23/4/2026).
Dirjen PSDKP Pung Nugroho Saksono stated that the firm actions taken by Polda Bali serve as concrete evidence of inter-agency synergy in protecting human rights, particularly for migrant workers in the fisheries sector.
“The success in uncovering the KM Awindo 2A case is not merely a technical police achievement, but a strong message that Bali and Indonesia will not tolerate modern slavery practices at sea,” said Pung Nugroho Saksono in a written statement from Polda Bali on Thursday.
On that occasion, Bali Police Chief Irjen Daniel Adityajaya was accompanied by Deputy Police Chief Brigjen I Made Astawa and Director of Criminal Investigation Polda Bali Kombes I Gede Adhi Mulyawarman. Daniel stated that this award serves as motivation for all personnel to continue enhancing surveillance and law enforcement. Moreover, Bali’s position is considered strategic as it serves as an entry and exit point for international maritime routes.
The award further solidifies Polda Bali’s position as the frontline guard in maintaining maritime security, including protecting workers from all forms of human trafficking within Bali’s jurisdiction.
It is known that the Polda Bali Criminal Investigation Directorate team successfully unravelled the syndicate network that exploited dozens of KM Awindo crew members at Benoa Harbour, Denpasar. The handling of this case is considered highly progressive as it encompasses victim protection aspects alongside prosecuting perpetrators with layered articles under the TPPO Law.
The three main achievements of Polda Bali in the KM Awindo 2A operation include:
Victim rescue: Repatriation and rehabilitation of dozens of crew members who worked in inhumane conditions.
Law enforcement: Arrest of the masterminds behind illegal recruitment and vessel management.
Deterrent effect: Providing a strong legal precedent for other fishing companies to comply with labour regulations.