Crew Member Victim of Human Trafficking Reveals Inhumane Treatment on Benoa Fishing Vessel

The continuation of the trial on alleged human trafficking (TPPO) against crew members at Denpasar District Court on Thursday (26/3/2026) featured victim witness Natsir, from Brebes, Central Java. He revealed the inhumane treatment received by the crew members. Before the panel of judges led by Ni Kadek Kusuma Wardani, Natsir admitted that he and around 20 other crew members became victims in a chain of recruitment leading to alleged exploitation on a fishing vessel. “I and my colleagues, a total of 21 people, agree that this is TPPO,” said Natsir. He initially learned of the job vacancy as a crew member through Facebook. After contacting the recruiter, he was picked up from Brebes and taken to Pekalongan, Central Java, to be housed in a barracks with other prospective crew members. “From Brebes, picked up, taken to Pekalongan, put in the barracks,” he said. Before departure, the victims were burdened with a debt of Rp 5 million. However, the money received was only around Rp 2.5 million after various deductions, binding the victims to continue working. Subsequently, the victims were sent to Bali and arrived at the Benoa Port area. Natsir was taken by a person named Mami Ina, who in this case is the defendant Titin Sumartini, and then ferried to the ship by sampan. Upon arriving on the ship, the victim claimed that personal documents such as ID card, family card, and mobile phone were taken. “ID card, family card, and phone were taken,” said Natsir. During the trial, it was also revealed that a police officer who is also a defendant, Putu Setiawan, came to the ship and requested the victims’ personal data from ID card, family card to mobile phones. While on the ship, the victim was immediately ordered to work despite lacking official seafarer documents or adequate skills. The work done included cleaning the ship, painting, and other technical tasks with long working hours. “That was forced labour, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.,” said Natsir. He also admitted to only receiving two meals a day with simple menus. “Meals only twice, rice, tofu, tempeh, noodles,” said Natsir. The trial of this case will continue with the examination of other witnesses, up to the proof regarding the alleged human trafficking.