Ninda Dwi Ramadhani, Desty Luthfiani, Jakarta – Head of the Criminal Investigation in Penjaringan Sectoral Police Adjunct Commissioner Hari Gasgari said the police discovered thirty young women who were human trafficking victims in Penjaringan, North Jakarta. The victims were recruited after falsely promised to work at a beauty salon, while in reality forced to become sex workers.

"There are thirty victims. The suspected recruiter, TW, has been arrested," said Hari when called by Tempo on Sunday, August 20, 2023.

Hari said that TW (23) was arrested on August 15, 2023, and is searching for the other suspect, M, the manager of Kafe Melati where the victims worked. It was revealed during the investigation that TW received Rp1,500,000 to Rp2,000,000 for every successful recruit. Police confiscated condoms, devices, and books filled with details of profits.

TW is facing 15 years of imprisonment under Article 2 (1) of Law No. 21 of 2007 or Article 296 or Article 506 of the Criminal Code.

The Head of Penjaringan Sectoral Police Commissioner Bobby Danuardi explained that the discovery of this case started after his unit received a police report on a missing family member last Tuesday.

"The victim, MJS (19), was promised a job at a [beauty] clinic or salon," he said in a written statement received by Tempo on Sunday, August 20, 2023. Recruited by TWS, MJS was forced to work as a sex worker in a red light district in Penjaringan.

"[The police] moved swiftly and was successful at finding the victim along with another young woman in a housing at Tanah Pasir Dalam Raya Street," said Bobby. The victims are then returned to their families.

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/1762132/police-discover-30-human-trafficking-victims-in-north-jakart