The Indonesian police have identified two suspects, Anita Setia Dewi and Andri Satria Nugraha, in the case of human trafficking of 20 Indonesian citizens to Myanmar to work as online scammers. The suspects were reported by relatives of the victim Nurhaida on May 2, 2023, and named as such after the case was filed on May 9, 2023. The suspects are accused of trafficking people abroad or placing migrant workers abroad without following proper procedures.
The police have launched an investigation and are exploring the possibility of additional suspects involved in this case. The victim’s family, accompanied by the Indonesian Migrant Workers Union (SBMI), reported the case to the National Police on May 2, 2023. The SBMI chairperson Hariyanto Suwarno believes that the two accused suspects are part of an international criminal network operating in the Greater Jakarta area.
Anita Setia Dewi and Andri Satria Nugraha are believed to have violated the criminal act of human trafficking, in accordance with Article 4 of Law No. 21 of 2007 on human trafficking and Article 81 of Law No. 18 of 2017 on the protection of Indonesian migrant workers. The Indonesian Police’s Director of General Crimes, Brigadier General Djuhandhani Rahardjo Puro, stated that investigators are actively searching for and arresting the perpetrators as well as probing for other suspects.
Human trafficking is a prevalent issue in many countries and is a form of modern-day slavery. According to the Global Slavery Index, there are an estimated 40.3 million victims of modern-day slavery worldwide, of which more than 25 million people are subject to forced labor. In Indonesia, trafficking of individuals is a significant challenge with varying forms that include domestic worker exploitation, forced prostitution, and labor exploitation.
The Indonesian government has taken steps to combat trafficking, including implementing anti-trafficking laws and improving victim protection. However, more work needs to be done to eliminate the root causes of trafficking and address the cultural and socio-economic factors that make individuals vulnerable to exploitation.
Human trafficking has far-reaching implications beyond the initial violation of human rights. It can lead to devastating consequences for the victims, including physical and emotional trauma, loss of freedom, and exploitation. Additionally, it can exacerbate social and political instability and undermine economic development.
It is essential to create more awareness about human trafficking and its dangers, and to encourage individuals to report suspicious activities that may be related to trafficking. The Indonesian Police’s swift action against the accused in this case is commendable and underscores the government’s commitment to combating trafficking. However, it must be recognized that much more work is required to address this global issue.
In conclusion, the identification of two suspects in the case of human trafficking of 20 Indonesian citizens to Myanmar to work as online scammers is a significant development in the fight against trafficking. It is an example of the Indonesian government’s commitment to protecting its citizens, and the police’s swift action to bring the culprits to justice. However, eliminating human trafficking requires a concerted effort by stakeholders at all levels, including the government, civil society, and the private sector.
