Three Women Arrested in Pekanbaru for Attempting to Sell Two-Week-Old Baby
Table of Contents
In a shocking case that has gripped Pekanbaru,Riau,police have arrested three women for attempting to sell a two-week-old baby girl. The arrests were made following an undercover operation involving a child protection activist posing as a prospective buyer, authorities revealed on Sunday.
The suspects allegedly used a TikTok account to advertise the baby, prompting concerned citizens to report the case to the police. The transaction was set to take place at a café on Ronggowarsito Street, where the suspects demanded rp 25 million (approximately $1,600) for the infant.
“Two of the suspects, identified by their initials TH adn EJ, were arrested as they were about to hand over the baby,” said Adjunct Commissioner Viola Dwi Anggreni, chief of the Limapuluh District Police in Pekanbaru.
The Suspects and Their Roles
The suspects include TH (Tutik), 31, who carried the baby to the meeting point, and EJ (Ernie), 49, who acted as the broker. Shockingly, EJ is a midwife employed at a local hospital, raising concerns about the exploitation of her professional role.
The third suspect, AT (Aprita), 42, was allegedly attempting to purchase the baby with the intention of reselling her for Rp 35 million (approximately $2,200).During questioning, AT admitted to previously selling five babies in Medan, the provincial capital of North Sumatra, according to police.
exploitation of Vulnerable infants
The baby girl was allegedly supplied by EJ, who is accused of exploiting her position as a midwife to collect babies unwanted by their parents. Authorities are still working to identify the infant’s biological parents, highlighting the complexity of the case.
The suspects are being charged under Indonesia’s human trafficking and child protection laws, which carry severe penalties for such offenses. The investigation is ongoing, with police seeking to uncover further details about the suspects’ operations and potential connections to broader trafficking networks.
A Growing concern
This case underscores the alarming prevalence of child trafficking in Indonesia, particularly in regions like Riau and North Sumatra. The use of social media platforms like tiktok to facilitate such illegal activities has raised concerns about the need for stricter online monitoring and regulation.
| Key Details | Information |
|——————————-|———————————————————————————|
| Location | Pekanbaru, Riau |
| Suspects | TH (Tutik), EJ (Ernie), AT (Aprita) |
| Baby’s Age | Two weeks old |
| Transaction Amount | Rp 25 million (initial), rp 35 million (resale) |
| Charges | Human trafficking, child protection violations |
| Ongoing Investigation | identifying biological parents, uncovering broader trafficking networks |
Calls to Action
This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and community involvement in combating child trafficking. If you suspect any illegal activities involving children, report them immediately to local authorities or organizations like UNICEF Indonesia, which works tirelessly to protect vulnerable children.
As the investigation continues, authorities urge the public to remain alert and report any suspicious activities. Together, we can help put an end to these heinous crimes and ensure a safer future for all children.For more information on how to support child protection efforts, visit UNICEF Indonesia.
—
This article is based on information provided by local authorities in Pekanbaru, Riau. All quotes and details are attributed to official statements.
Exclusive Interview: Child Trafficking Crisis in Pekanbaru – Expert Insights and calls to Action
In a disturbing case that has shocked Pekanbaru, Riau, three women were arrested for attempting to sell a two-week-old baby girl. The suspects allegedly used social media platforms like TikTok to facilitate the illegal transaction,raising concerns about the growing exploitation of vulnerable infants in Indonesia. To shed light on this alarming issue, we spoke with Dr. Sari indahwati, a renowned expert on child protection and human trafficking, to discuss the case, its implications, and the broader challenges in combating such crimes.
The Pekanbaru Case: What Happened?
Senior Editor: Dr. Indahwati, thank you for joining us. Could you provide an overview of the recent case in Pekanbaru and what makes it notably concerning?
Dr. Sari Indahwati: Certainly. This case is deeply troubling due to several factors. Firstly, the suspects targeted a two-week-old infant, highlighting the vulnerability of newborns in such trafficking schemes. The involvement of a midwife, EJ (Ernie), as a broker is particularly alarming. As a medical professional, her role in exploiting her position to collect babies from parents who may not want them is a severe breach of trust. Additionally, the use of social media platforms like TikTok to advertise the baby underscores how traffickers are increasingly leveraging technology to carry out their crimes. This case is a stark reminder of the need for stronger online monitoring and community vigilance.
Senior Editor: The suspects used TikTok to advertise the baby. How significant is the role of social media in facilitating child trafficking in Indonesia?
Dr. Sari Indahwati: Social media has become a powerful tool for traffickers. Platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and others offer anonymity and a wide reach, making it easier for criminals to connect with potential buyers and brokers. In this case, the suspects used TikTok to advertise the baby, which was reported by concerned citizens. While this led to their arrest, it also highlights the urgent need for stricter regulation and monitoring of online platforms. Governments and tech companies must collaborate to detect and prevent such activities. Public awareness is also crucial—citizens need to recognize the signs of trafficking and report suspicious activities promptly.
Exploitation of Professional Roles
Senior Editor: One of the suspects, EJ, is a midwife. How does the exploitation of professional roles complicate efforts to combat child trafficking?
Dr. Sari Indahwati: This is a significant concern. Professionals like midwives, doctors, and social workers are often in positions of trust, making it easier for them to exploit vulnerable individuals. In this case, EJ allegedly used her access to new mothers and infants to source babies for trafficking. This not only breaches ethical and professional standards but also makes it harder to detect such crimes. It’s essential for hospitals and medical institutions to implement stricter oversight and reporting mechanisms to prevent the misuse of professional roles. Additionally, raising awareness among healthcare workers about the signs of trafficking and their ethical responsibilities can help curb this exploitation.
The Broader Context of child Trafficking in Indonesia
Senior Editor: This case is part of a larger issue of child trafficking in Indonesia,particularly in regions like Riau and North Sumatra. Can you provide some context on the prevalence of this problem?
Dr. Sari Indahwati: Indonesia is a source, transit, and destination country for human trafficking, including child trafficking. According to reports, traffickers increasingly use online platforms to recruit children for sex trafficking and men for labor trafficking. The Riau Islands, which border Singapore, have seen cases of extraterritorial child sexual exploitation, while Bali is a destination for both local and foreign perpetrators of such crimes. The economic vulnerabilities of families,coupled with weak law enforcement and corruption,exacerbate the problem. the government has made efforts to combat trafficking, such as passing stricter laws and increasing awareness campaigns, but more needs to be done to address the root causes and strengthen enforcement mechanisms.
Calls to action: What can Be Done?
Senior Editor: In light of this case and the broader issue, what steps can individuals, communities, and authorities take to combat child trafficking?
Dr. Sari Indahwati: Combating child trafficking requires a multi-faceted approach. Firstly, individuals and communities must remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to authorities. Education and awareness campaigns can empower people to recognize the signs of trafficking and take action. Secondly, law enforcement agencies need adequate resources and training to investigate and prosecute trafficking cases effectively. Collaboration between government agencies, NGOs, and international organizations is also crucial. Lastly, tech companies must take duty for monitoring their platforms and preventing them from being used for illegal activities. Organizations like UNICEF Indonesia play a vital role in supporting victims and advocating for stronger child protection policies. together, we can work towards eradicating this heinous crime and ensuring a safer future for all children.
For more data on how to support child protection efforts, visit UNICEF Indonesia.
