Promised Work in Turkey, Indonesian Human Trafficking Victims End Up Enslaved in Libya
A human trafficking syndicate has sold hundreds of Indonesian citizens to Libya as illegal migrant workers. The victims were initially promised work in Turkey with salaries of millions of rupiah, but ended up being enslaved in Libya.
The Head of Public Relations for Polda Metro Jaya, Senior Commissioner Budi Hermanto, stated that the victims are believed to have suffered exploitation while in Libya. They reportedly received no wages, experienced violence, threats, passport confiscation, restrictions on their freedom, and working hours without adequate rest.
“Polda Metro Jaya continues to coordinate with BP3MI, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and representatives of the Republic of Indonesia abroad to provide support in fulfilling the rights of Indonesian citizens who have become victims,” said Senior Commissioner Budi in his statement on Friday (24/7/2026).
Two individuals, identified by the initials R alias Ica and DY, have been named as suspects by Polda Metro Jaya in the case involving the illegal trafficking of hundreds of people to Libya. The Director of General Criminal Investigation for Polda Metro Jaya, Senior Commissioner Iman Imanuddin, stated that suspect Ica played a role in controlling the recruitment process. Ica also ordered DY to search for potential victims.
“Suspect R alias Ica played a role in controlling the recruitment process and ordered suspect DY to search for potential victims or prospective Indonesian migrant workers with the lure of jobs as household assistants in Turkey,” Iman said.
The suspects enticed victims with a salary of Rp 7 million. The potential victims were even given money upfront to make them believe the suspects’ promises.
“To attract the victims’ interest, the suspects also provided an initial fee to the families of Rp 2.5 to 3 million, and these funds came from suspect R alias Ica, which were transferred through suspect DY’s account,” he explained.
Meanwhile, suspect DY facilitated the entire departure process for the victims. DY arranged falsified medical tests, processed passports and visas, provided temporary accommodation, and escorted the victims to the airport.
“DY’s house was used as a temporary shelter for the victims before they were dispatched abroad. After the victims were sent off by DY, suspect Ica communicated with the distribution agent at the destination in Libya,” he detailed.
Police revealed the reason the syndicate chose Libya as a destination for human trafficking, noting that the practice of slavery remains prevalent there.
“Why Libya? Because the existing network connected to our current investigation is a network operating in Libya,” said Senior Commissioner Iman Imanuddin.
Furthermore, Iman explained that the practice of slavery is still rampant in Libya, allowing agents who deliver victims to easily conduct human trafficking transactions.
“And there, pardon the expression, the practice of slavery is more dominant. So upon arrival, the agent is immediately given a sum of money as payment. And after these victims are received there, they are employed according to the whims of their masters,” he explained.
The employers who bought the victims considered them as purchased property, believing they could exploit them as they pleased.
“Tomorrow, our investigative team will also conduct an examination in Libya. We have coordinated with the Police International Relations Division to assist in communicating with the Indonesian Embassy and Libyan authorities,” he clarified.