Minister Appreciates Metro Jaya Police for Uncovering Human Trafficking of Indonesian Migrant Workers to Libya
The Ministry for the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers (KP2MI) has commended Polda Metro Jaya for uncovering a human trafficking (TPPO) operation involving the illegal placement of Indonesian migrant workers (PMI) in Libya. KP2MI considers the disclosure of this case an important step in protecting Indonesian migrant workers.
“The success in uncovering this case is an important step in efforts to protect Indonesian Migrant Workers while firmly punishing those who exploit the public through non-procedural recruitment and placement practices,” said Minister of Migrant Worker Protection Mukhtarudin in a statement on Friday (24/7/2026).
Mukhtarudin said the disclosure of the case was the result of coordination between the National Police (Polri), the Ministry of Migrant Worker Protection, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the Indonesian Embassy in Tripoli, the Indonesian Migrant Worker Protection Coordination Desk, the TPPO Task Force, and other relevant ministries and agencies. He said the case relates to an Indonesian migrant worker with the initials AJ, who was previously successfully repatriated to Indonesia.
“The Ministry of Migrant Worker Protection also appreciates the swift action of Polda Metro Jaya investigators, who have carried out the investigation and named two people as suspects,” he said.
“The Ministry will continue to provide full support to law enforcement through the provision of data, information, and the coordination needed to support the investigation and to uncover other parties allegedly involved in the illegal recruitment and placement network,” he continued.
Mukhtarudin assured that assistance for the victims would continue, including ensuring the fulfilment of victims’ rights, further assessments, and strengthening the reintegration process after their return to Indonesia.
“Non-procedural placement of migrant workers not only violates the law but also places Indonesian citizens at risk of exploitation, violence, and various forms of human rights violations,” he said.
The government, he said, will continue to strengthen cross-ministerial and inter-agency coordination to prevent similar practices, protect victims, and punish those involved. He also urged the public not to be easily tempted by offers of work abroad with quick processes.
“The public is expected to ensure that every placement process is carried out in accordance with procedures and through legal channels to guarantee the safety, rights, and protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers,” he said.
“The Ministry will continue to coordinate with the Indonesian National Police, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, regional governments, and relevant ministries and agencies to see the law enforcement process through to completion and to ensure protection for all victims,” he added.
Previously, Polda Metro Jaya uncovered a human trafficking operation to Libya. The perpetrators promised the victims they would depart for Turkey.
“The victims were promised work as domestic helpers in Turkey with earnings of around Rp 7 million per month. However, they were instead placed in Libya non-procedurally,” said Head of Public Relations at Polda Metro Jaya, Commissioner Budi Hermanto, on Friday (24/7/2026).
In Libya, the victims experienced exploitation, including not being paid wages, violence, threats, excessive working hours, and the confiscation of their passports.
“The victims suffered exploitation such as not receiving wages, violence, threats, passport confiscation, restrictions on movement, and excessive working hours without rest,” he explained.