Indonesian police have recently exposed a disturbing baby trafficking ring purported to have sold over 25 infants to buyers in Singapore since 2023. Authorities conducted raids in Pontianak and Tangerang, leading to 13 arrests and the rescue of six infants. The involved babies, around one year old, were kept in Pontianak while their immigration paperwork was prepared.
Police Commissioner Surawan shared that the syndicate specifically targeted parents and expectant mothers unwilling to raise their children, often reaching out via social media before shifting the conversation to private messaging platforms like WhatsApp. "Some babies were even reserved while still in the womb," Surawan stated. This group reportedly included recruiters, caretakers, and people responsible for creating phony legal documents.
After their removal, these babies were placed with caretakers for a short period before being transported to Jakarta and then back to Pontianak for documentation. The infants were sold for prices ranging from IDR 11 million to 16 million, roughly $673 to $502.
Alongside the arrests, police are actively searching for the buyers in Singapore. Surawan emphasized that their goal is to meticulously track down all involved, including those who may have operated outside Indonesia. Notably, while authorities have indicated that no kidnappings occurred in this case, some parents may have been coerced into selling their children due to economic strain.
To combat this pervasive issue, police are collaborating with international law enforcement agencies. Ai Rahmayanti from the Indonesian Child Protection Commission stressed that trafficking syndicates often exploit women in desperate circumstances, including those experiencing unwanted pregnancies due to societal pressures.
Although precise statistics remain elusive, KPAI's reports indicate an alarming rise in child trafficking cases in Indonesia, with previous years showing a noticeable increase in illegal adoption activities. The issue is far-reaching, as evidenced by recent advocacy efforts following cases of babies being sold in West Java and Bali.
