Human Trafficking Ring Using 'Mail-Order Bride' Modus to China Targets Women in Indramayu

A cross-border human trafficking syndicate continues to target young women, exploiting the economic vulnerability of rural communities through a ‘mail-order bride’ modus operandi primarily aimed at China. The Indonesian Migrant Workers Union (SBMI) has officially brought a suspected trafficking case to the legal authorities, filing a report with the Indramayu Police on Friday (26/6/2026) in an effort to sever the chain of local recruiters preying on young women. ‘We came to the Indramayu Police to report a suspected human trafficking case using the mail-order bride modus to China, which was experienced by one of our residents,’ said SBMI Domestic Workers Department Coordinator Yunita Rohani on Sunday (28/6/2026). The case involves K, a young woman from Jambak Village, Cikedung District, Indramayu Regency, who reported experiencing violence and exploitation after being sent to China with promises of a large dowry and a decent life. Yunita explained that the entire process of sending the victim abroad, from start to finish, was highly systematic. Field agents are strongly suspected of falsifying administrative documents instantly to ensure the victim could be dispatched quickly. Yunita revealed that her organisation has analysed the chronology provided by the victim and her family, concluding that the process, methods, and objectives meet the elements of human trafficking as stipulated in Law Number 21 of 2007. She added that SBMI records show this mail-order bride crime trend has been recurring since 2020, with a notable shift in the syndicate’s operational map. Previously, this modus operandi was frequently found in Kalimantan, but now brokers are aggressively operating in agricultural areas of West Java, which have high numbers of overseas job seekers. ‘The victims are enticed with promises of jobs, a decent life, and large dowries from foreign nationals,’ she explained. However, upon arrival in China, the marriage status is merely a cover. The victims are instead sold, forced to become domestic workers without rights, subjected to physical violence, and become victims of sexual slavery. SBMI hopes the police will trace the roots of the mail-order bride recruitment network in Indramayu to prevent further victims.