BATAM | INDATANEWS.COM ~ The Barelang Police, in coordination with the Criminal Investigation Unit (Satreskrim) and the Port Security Police (KKP), has uncovered an illegal network involved in the unauthorized recruitment and facilitation of Indonesian migrant workers (PMI). The findings were officially presented during a press conference held at the Barelang Police Headquarters lobby on Monday, April 20, 2026.
The briefing was led by
Barelang Police Chief Kombes Pol Anggoro Wicaksono and attended by senior officers as well as representatives from the Batam Immigration Office, the National Agency for the Placement and Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers (BP2MI), and the Bhakti Tuah Madani PMI Task Force.
The investigation began after authorities at the KKP Police Post foiled an attempt to illegally send migrant workers abroad through the Batam Center International Ferry Terminal on Thursday, April 16, 2026. A total of 43 prospective migrant workers were intercepted while attempting to travel to Malaysia. Early questioning revealed they had been arranged by unlicensed recruitment agents.
Read Also: Sagulung Police Arrest Stepfather in Batam Child Abuse Case FIGHTING HUMAN TRAFFICKING:
Barelang Police Chief Kombes Pol Anggoro Wicaksono reaffirms the commitment to combating illegal migration and human trafficking in Batam. (PHOTO: Dalil Harahap)
Two Suspects Arrested in Coordinated OperationFollowing further investigation, police arrested two suspects identified by the initials AN (51) and NR (46). AN was detained in the Batam Center area at around 11:00 p.m., while NR was apprehended shortly after in Tembesi at approximately 11:30 p.m.
Read Also: Lubuk Baja Police Solves Arson Case: Suspect Arrested Within 24 Hours Authorities stated that both individuals played key roles in organizing illegal departures, including arranging transportation, securing ferry tickets, and processing documents through unofficial channels.
Among the victims were MJ (48), EB (21), and JP (19), who admitted they were recruited through acquaintances who promised job opportunities in Malaysia. The suspects allegedly offered full-service packages, including transportation to the port, ticket arrangements, and passport processing via intermediaries for around IDR 2.7 million.
ILLEGAL MIGRANT RECRUITMENT BUSTED:
Barelang Police present the dismantling of an
illegal migrant recruitment network during a press conference in Batam on Monday, April 20, 2026. (PHOTO: Dalil Harahap)
Read Also: Man Arrested in Batam Over Alleged Facebook Hate Speech Evidence Seized and Legal ConsequencesPolice confiscated several pieces of evidence, including three passports, three ferry tickets to Malaysia, IDR 4,050,000 in cash, and two mobile phones.
The suspects may face charges under Indonesia's Law No. 18/2017 on the Protection of Migrant Workers, as well as Law No. 6/2023 under the Job Creation framework. If convicted, they could face up to 10 years in prison and fines reaching IDR 15 billion.
Barelang Police also reported that between January and April 2026, a total of 155 illegal migration attempts have been successfully prevented. Authorities urged the public to use only official migration channels and report suspicious activities via the free emergency hotline 110. (IDNC)
Read Also: Sekupang Police Arrest Motorcycle Thief in Batam After Swift Investigation REPORTER:
Dalil Harahap | EDITOR:
Fik Sagala