Riau Police Arrest Human Trafficking Ring Involved in Illegal Migrant Workers to Malaysia
The suspect, J, was responsible for picking up prospective migrant workers from bus terminals in Dumai, providing them with ferry tickets, and instructing them to provide false information to immigration officials, claiming they were only visiting relatives in Malaysia, said the Director of Water and Air Police of the Riau Police, Commissioner Apri Fajar Hermanto, in a statement on Friday (May 15, 2026).
During the operation, police also secured four illegal migrant workers. Additionally, police confiscated several pieces of evidence, including four passports, four ferry tickets to Malaysia, a black mobile phone, and 108 screenshots of WhatsApp conversations allegedly related to the recruitment and dispatch of illegal migrant workers.
The investigation began with information from the public regarding suspected illegal migrant worker departures in the Dumai International Port area. Following up on this information, the Intelligence Team of the Water and Air Police of the Riau Police, on Monday (May 11), immediately conducted surveillance and an undercover investigation at the location.
While monitoring the area at approximately 09:45 AM, officers found a man distributing passports to four prospective migrant workers who were about to depart for Malaysia by ferry. Suspecting foul play, officers immediately secured the man and the four prospective migrant workers for questioning.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect, J, allegedly acted only as a field operator. He claimed to have been instructed by an individual with the initials S, who is currently believed to be in the Lampung area and is considered the mastermind of the network.
In this case, the suspect, J, is charged under Article 4 of the Republic of Indonesia Law Number 21 of 2007 concerning the Eradication of Criminal Acts of Human Trafficking. The perpetrator faces a minimum prison sentence of 3 years and a maximum of 15 years, as well as a fine of at least IDR 120 million to a maximum of IDR 600 million. The suspect is also charged under Article 83 of the Republic of Indonesia Law Number 18 of 2017 concerning the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers, with a threat of imprisonment of up to 10 years and a maximum fine of IDR 15 billion.
Commissioner Apri emphasized that this case demonstrates the Riau Police’s commitment to combating human trafficking practices that exploit ports and waterways in the coastal areas of Riau.
“This case is a serious concern because it involves the safety of Indonesian citizens who are being sent abroad through non-procedural means. The victims are very vulnerable to exploitation, violence, and even loss of legal protection when working abroad without proper documents and official procedures,” said Commissioner Apri.
The Riau waters, which border neighboring countries, are vulnerable to being exploited by human trafficking networks. Therefore, the Water and Air Police, together with relevant agencies, will continue to tighten surveillance at both local and international ports.
“We are not only targeting field operators but also pursuing the main actors and the network behind them. The investigation is still ongoing, including the pursuit of the main actor with the initials S, who is suspected of controlling the recruitment and dispatch of illegal prospective migrant workers,” he added.
Furthermore, he appealed to the public to be more vigilant against illegal labor recruitment schemes that promise high salaries and quick processes without official documents.
“The public should not easily believe offers of work abroad that do not comply with procedures. Ensure that all documents and placement processes are carried out officially to obtain legal protection and work safety,” he concluded.
(mea/dhn)