Legislator Urges No Negligence Regarding Violence Against Indonesian Citizens Abroad
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Member of Commission XIII of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Mafirion, has urged that there must be no negligence regarding acts of violence against Indonesian citizens (WNI) abroad, following allegations of abuse by an illegal tin mining syndicate in Malaysia.
“There must be no tolerance for practices of exploitation and violence against our citizens abroad. The state must be present, firm, and must not be defeated by transnational crime syndicates,” he stated in a press release in Jakarta on Monday.
According to him, this case serves as an alarm for the protection of Indonesian migrant workers, particularly those travelling through non-procedural routes who are vulnerable to being trapped in exploitation networks; therefore, this situation must be treated with serious concern.
As a legislator specialising in human rights, Mafirion assessed that this case potentially violates the fundamental rights of citizens, such as the right to personal freedom and security, the right to be free from torture, and the right to decent and dignified work.
He also highlighted strong indications of organised transnational human trafficking. He called upon Indonesian and Malaysian law enforcement agencies to conduct a thorough investigation to dismantle the illegal tin mining and human trafficking networks at their roots.
Mafirion insisted that perpetrators should not merely be charged with assault, but that their potential involvement in human trafficking networks and the exploitation of illegal migrant workers must also be investigated.
“We also request the Malaysian government to take firm action against the perpetrators of violence and to ensure that the legal process is transparent, fair, and provides justice for the victims,” he added.
He reaffirmed that Commission XIII of the DPR RI will give serious attention to this case and push for the strengthening of policies to protect Indonesian citizens abroad to prevent similar incidents from recurring.
Previously, the Indonesian National Police (Polri) stated they are investigating the alleged abuse of an Indonesian citizen by an illegal tin mining syndicate in Malaysia. The Director of Certain Crimes (Dirtipidter) of the Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim) Polri, Brigadier General Mohammad Irhamni, stated that they are coordinating with various parties to evacuate the victim.
“The Directorate of Certain Crimes is currently coordinating rescue and evacuation efforts with the International Relations Division of Polri and the Police Attaché of the Indonesian Embassy in Malaysia,” he said in a statement confirmed in Jakarta on Sunday.
Irhamni explained that on 16 May 2024, the Police Attaché of the Indonesian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur received a report regarding the alleged confinement and abuse of an Indonesian citizen from Prabumulih, South Sumatra, with the initials DC.
Consequently, the Police Attaché coordinated with the Kuala Langat District Police Headquarters. After a re-verification, the incident location was found to be within the jurisdiction of the Sepang District Police Headquarters.
Subsequently, the Sepang District Police deployed the Sungai Pelek Police Station to carry out rescue operations, which ultimately led to the successful rescue of the victim, DC.
According to Irhamni, based on initial statements, the victim claimed he was forced to transport tin from Indonesia and was enticed to come to Malaysia. Upon arrival in Malaysia, he subsequently suffered physical abuse.