Police apply for Interpol Red Notice in illegal migrant worker recruitment case to Cambodia

Soekarno-Hatta Airport Police have applied for an Interpol Red Notice in connection with a wanted person suspected of recruiting and sending illegal Indonesian migrant workers (PMIs) to Cambodia. ‘We have submitted the Red Notice for Interpol to take action,’ said Commissioner Wisnu Wardana of Soekarno-Hatta Airport Police in Tangerang on Wednesday.

He stated that LA, a woman from Bangka Belitung, fled abroad after being listed as a wanted person in the suspected human trafficking of workers overseas. The police investigation team continues to pursue the network of illegal PMI dispatches where victims were promised online gambling administration jobs in Cambodia. ‘We are determined to pursue recruiters and coordinators of illegal PMI dispatches, including suspects abroad, through international cooperation and Red Notice applications,’ he added.

Head of Criminal Investigation Yandri Mono said the case was uncovered after officers received information about two female prospective PMIs departing for Cambodia via Terminal 3 of Soekarno-Hatta International Airport on Saturday, 17 January 2026. The individuals, identified as AG from Garut and SP from North Jakarta, were attempting to travel via TransNusa to Kuala Lumpur with a connecting Cambodia Airways ticket to Phnom Penh.

‘Both admitted being recruited through social media and a WhatsApp group named “Liburaaannnnn”,’ he said. Police also interviewed a man RR, who claimed he was asked by F to assist the two PMIs, receiving Rp500,000 for helping with airport departure procedures. ‘RR is suspected of arranging travel tickets, guiding departure processes, and connecting PMIs with those assisting check-in and immigration checks at the airport,’ he added.

From January to May 2026, Soekarno-Hatta Airport Police have foiled 89 illegal PMI departures bound for Cambodia, Vietnam, and Thailand. The suspects face charges under Article 83 in conjunction with Article 68 and/or Article 81 in conjunction with Article 69 of Law No. 18 of 2017 on the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers. ‘The maximum penalty is 10 years in prison and a fine of up to Rp15 billion,’ Yandri concluded.