Human Trafficking Syndicate Sending 105 Indonesians to Libya Exposed

Jakarta police have dismantled a human trafficking syndicate responsible for sending Indonesian migrant workers illegally to Libya. Operating since 2023, the syndicate has dispatched hundreds of Indonesian citizens, with police confirming at least 105 victims.

The victims were initially promised employment as domestic workers in Turkey with monthly salaries of around Rp 7 million. Instead, they were taken to Libya and subjected to exploitation, including unpaid wages, violence, threats, passport confiscation, restricted freedom, and excessively long working hours without rest.

The Ministry of Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers (KP2MI) commended the Jakarta Police for uncovering the case, describing it as a crucial step in protecting migrant workers and taking firm action against those involved in non-procedural recruitment and placement. Minister Mukhtarudin stated the investigation was the result of coordination between the police, the ministry, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs via the Indonesian Embassy in Tripoli, and other related agencies.

Police have arrested two suspects, identified as R and DY. Suspect R, also known as Ica, instructed DY to recruit victims and provided financing for the operation. DY actively sought out individuals to be sent abroad. The syndicate’s financial transactions amounted to Rp 11.6 billion, with suspect Ica receiving Rp 25 million per departure and earning a profit of Rp 3-5 million per victim, while DY profited between Rp 2.5-3 million per person.

The victims were sent in several batches: 35 people between August 2023 and June 2024, 50 people between July 2024 and March 2025, and 20 people between April 2025 and May 2026. Some victims were repatriated before their contracts ended. Police indicated the syndicate chose Libya due to established networks there connected to the operation.