Crew Member in Mimika Enslaved for 3 Years Without Wages Until Suffering Stroke

A crew member (ABK) became a victim of an illegal labour syndicate on a fishing vessel in Mimika Regency, Central Papua. The victim was repatriated to his village in South Lampung after three years of working without being paid any wages.

The Head of the South Lampung Social Service, Puji Sukamtodi Kalianda, stated that the victim is named Ismi Ali (40), a resident of Bulok Village, Kalianda Sub-district. The victim suffered a stroke and symptoms of depression while staying at a local resident’s house in Timika.

“Alhamdulillah, Ismi’s health condition has improved after receiving treatment assisted by social volunteers from Mimika Regency. Today, Ismi is being repatriated. He departed from Mimika at 10:00 WIT and is expected to arrive in Lampung around 20:00 WIB,” said Puji, as reported by Antara on Wednesday (15/4/2026).

He explained that the repatriation process for Ismi has been carried out, including fulfilling all flight eligibility requirements. It is estimated that Ismi will arrive at Raden Intan Airport in Lampung on Wednesday (15/4) around 20:00 WIB.

Puji said that Ismi became a victim of fishing vessel labour brokers and was promised high wages through social media. However, in reality, during three years of work, Ismi never received a single payment from the vessel’s side.

“Ismi has worked for three years and has never received wages. His communication device was also taken by the broker who took him to Jakarta,” he stated.

Unable to endure the forced labour trap on the fishing vessel in Papua’s waters any longer, Ismi boldly escaped from the ship and hid in Timika.

“This incident serves as a reminder that the public must be more cautious in receiving information, especially regarding job vacancies, and not easily believe unreasonable promises or inducements,” he added.

The incident began after his office received a report about the event. Subsequently, the South Lampung Regency Social Service immediately coordinated across regions to confirm Ismi’s whereabouts and health condition.

“Based on the information obtained, through that coordination, social volunteers from Mimika Regency then picked up and treated Ismi at a local hospital. After his condition was declared fit for travel, the volunteers immediately handled the repatriation process,” he concluded.