Indonesian police have recently unveiled a shocking international baby trafficking syndicate that has allegedly sold at least 25 infants to buyers in Singapore since the start of 2023. This week, authorities made 13 arrests in the Indonesian cities of Pontianak and Tangerang, rescuing six babies around the age of one who were about to be trafficked.
According to police, the babies were first kept in Pontianak while their immigration documents were arranged before being sent to buyers in Singapore. West Java Police's director of general criminal investigation, Surawan, explained how the syndicate operated—targeting parents who did not wish to raise their children, sometimes contacting them through social media platforms like Facebook and moving to more private messaging apps like WhatsApp.
"Some babies were even reserved while still in the womb," Surawan stated. After birth, the syndicate would handle the delivery costs, provide compensation to the mothers, and then take custody of the babies.
The operation included recruiters, caretakers, and individuals responsible for fabricating civil documents such as family cards and passports. Babies were sold for prices ranging from 11 to 16 million Indonesian rupiah (about $673 to $1,015). The police suspect that many parents may have agreed to the sales due to financial hardships.
Further investigations aim to locate the adopters in Singapore. Police have requested assistance from Interpol and Singaporean law enforcement to apprehend other members of the syndicate and buyers.
The Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI) highlights that trafficking syndicates often prey on women in vulnerable situations, such as those facing unwanted pregnancies or financial distress. Ai Rahmayanti from KPAI warns against the false pretenses used by traffickers, who pose as compassionate clinics or shelters.
The trend of baby trafficking in Indonesia appears to be on the rise, with KPAI reporting increasing cases of child abduction and trafficking. For instance, while only 11 cases were recorded in 2020, there have been 59 related cases in 2023 alone.
