Police Uncover Human Trafficking Network Sending 105 Migrant Workers Illegally to Libya

The General Criminal Investigation Directorate of Polda Metro Jaya has uncovered an alleged human trafficking network involved in the non-procedural dispatch of Indonesian migrant workers to Libya. Director of General Criminal Investigation at Polda Metro Jaya, Senior Commissioner Iman Imanuddin, explained that investigators have named two suspects, identified by the initials R and DY. The suspects’ network is believed to have sent at least 105 prospective Indonesian migrant workers abroad between 2023 and 2026. The case came to light following a police report filed on 3 July 2026. According to the investigation, the victims were initially recruited with promises of employment as domestic helpers in Turkey, with a monthly salary of approximately Rp7 million. To entice the victims, the suspects also provided their families with pocket money or fees ranging from Rp2.5 million to Rp3 million. Once in Libya, the victims allegedly endured severe exploitation, including non-payment of wages, confiscation of passports, inadequate food, restrictions on their freedom, and physical and psychological violence. Some victims managed to escape and sought protection from the Indonesian Embassy in Tripoli to be repatriated to Indonesia. The total material loss from unpaid wages is estimated at Rp60 million, in addition to immaterial losses such as psychological trauma. Investigators have seized evidence including victims’ passports, medical check-up documents, flight tickets, boarding passes, and correspondence from the Ministry of Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers. The suspects are charged under Article 455 of Law Number 1 of 2023 (the Criminal Code) and Article 4 in conjunction with Article 10 of Law Number 21 of 2007 on the Eradication of Human Trafficking, which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment.