Dumai Police Bust Illegal Indonesian Migrant Worker Trafficking: Two Suspects Charged, 68 Victims Rescued
The Criminal Investigation Unit of Dumai Police has uncovered an illegal operation for sending Indonesian migrant workers (PMI) through rat routes. A total of 68 prospective illegal PMI were rescued, and two suspects were arrested.
Director of General Criminal Investigation at Riau Regional Police, Senior Commissioner Hasyim Risahondua, stated that this revelation demonstrates the seriousness of his team in addressing crimes that not only violate the law but also threaten public safety. The enforcement is a tangible manifestation of the state’s presence in protecting its citizens from increasingly complex criminal practices.
“What we found in Dumai shows that the placement of migrant workers illegally is no longer sporadic actions, but has developed into a structured and systematic pattern,” said Senior Commissioner Hasyim during a press conference at Dumai Police Headquarters on Thursday (23/4/2026).
Hasyim said that such illegal migrant worker dispatch practices are highly dangerous. In addition to violating legal provisions, the victims are also in vulnerable conditions against exploitation, and even have the potential to become victims of human trafficking crimes (TPPO).
Senior Commissioner Hasyim urged the public not to be easily tempted by offers to work abroad through unofficial channels that promise quick processes and low costs.
“The public is asked to ensure that all processes are carried out through official procedures to guarantee legal protection and safety in the destination country,” said Senior Commissioner Hasyim.
Two Suspects Arrested
Dumai Police Chief AKBP Angga Herlambang said that his side secured two suspects with initials MF and RGS. MF acted as the collector, while RGS acted as the driver who picked up and transported the migrant workers from outside the area to the collection location until the dispatch point in the coastal area.
“Both suspects were secured on 20 April 2026 after previously managing to escape. When secured, they admitted their actions and were immediately taken to Dumai Police for further investigation,” said AKBP Angga.
In addition to securing the suspects, the police also seized several pieces of evidence in the form of two Daihatsu Sigra vehicles used for transportation operations, as well as two mobile phones suspected to be used in communication for the illegal activities.
“The suspects are charged under Law No. 18 of 2017 on the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers, which regulates the prohibition against anyone recruiting, collecting, or dispatching migrant workers without valid permission,” revealed AKBP Angga.
68 Victims Rescued
AKBP Angga explained that the revelation began on Saturday (18/4) around 15:00 WIB when his side received information about a number of migrant workers and foreign nationals who were to be dispatched to Malaysia through unofficial routes in the Selinsing Beach area, Pelintung Ward, Medang Kampai Subdistrict. Following up on the information, the Criminal Investigation Unit team of Dumai Police immediately moved to the location and conducted a sweep in the coastal area.
At the location, police found 63 people gathering in the beach and surrounding forest area, suspected to be waiting for pickup using speedboats to be dispatched to Malaysia.
“All of them were immediately secured and brought to Dumai Police for further examination,” explained AKBP Angga.
The police then conducted further investigation and traced a house on Jalan Meranti Darat, Dumai City, which was suspected to be used as a collection or transit house. At the house, police again found 5 prospective migrant workers who were also to be sent to Malaysia.
The Dumai coastal area is one of the vulnerable points often exploited by criminals for illegal activities, so surveillance will continue to be strengthened.
“We will increase patrols and surveillance in the coastal area as a preventive measure. This is a serious concern because it concerns public safety,” he said.