Police intensify port surveillance as trafficking networks exploit major Batam ferry terminals.
Batam’s busiest international ferry terminals have become critical hotspots in Indonesia’s fight against human trafficking. In 2025, the Polsek Kawasan Khusus Pelabuhan (KKP) intensified its crackdown, rescuing dozens of aspiring migrant workers lured by false job promises abroad.
Escalating Crackdown at Batam’s Ferry Terminals
Throughout January–October 2025, Polsek KKP Polresta Barelang rescued 23 non-procedural Indonesian migrant workers (PMI) and arrested 18 suspects tied to illegal trafficking operations. The perpetrators targeted vulnerable individuals with promises of high salaries and fast departures, funneling them through Pelabuhan Ferry International Batam Center and Harbourbay, two of the busiest exit points connecting Indonesia to Singapore and Malaysia.
Victims Targeted With Fake Overseas Job Offers
AKP Zharfan Edmond, Chief of Polsek KKP, revealed that victims—10 men and 13 women—were manipulated by deceptive recruitment schemes. Many believed they were securing legitimate employment abroad, only to be processed using illegal channels lacking any official documentation or oversight.
Trafficking Roles Spanned a Coordinated Network
Police investigations showed that the 18 suspects—12 men and 6 women—operated in a structured network. Their roles included:
- Providing temporary housing for victims
- Preparing false documentation
- Coordinating with overseas agents arranging illegal placements
This multi-layered structure enabled traffickers to move victims swiftly through ferry terminals, hoping to evade immigration scrutiny.
Legal Proceedings Show Significant Progress
According to Kanit Reskrim Ipda Muhammad Rizky Fitrianor, legal action against the network continues to advance. Of the cases handled:
- 1 case remains in the document-completion stage
- 4 cases have reached Stage One at the prosecutor’s office
- 11 cases have been declared P21, meaning investigation results are complete
Suspects are being prosecuted under Pasal 81 Jo UU 18/2017 (as amended by UU 11/2020 Cipta Kerja) alongside Pasal 55–56 KUHP, carrying a maximum sentence of 10 years.
Public Warning as Monitoring Tightens
AKP Zharfan urged Indonesians to remain alert to job offers advertising “quick departures” without legal documentation. He emphasized the need for caution, noting that many victims were unaware they were being trafficked until intercepted by police.
Strengthened Security Across Batam’s International Gateways
Polsek KKP has reinforced security checks across all ferry terminals to curb the rising trend of non-procedural PMI departures. Enhanced surveillance, coordinated inspections, and targeted intelligence efforts aim to block trafficking attempts before victims leave Indonesian territory.
The ongoing crackdown highlights Batam’s strategic importance in cross-border mobility between Indonesia and Singapore. As ferry terminals remain key transit points, stronger law enforcement, public awareness, and regional cooperation are essential to protect vulnerable workers and dismantle trafficking networks that exploit high migration demand across the SIJORI region.
Sources: Batam Pos (2025) , Tribunbatam.id (2025)
Keywords: Batam Human Trafficking, Ferry Terminals Batam, PMI Protection, KKP Polresta Barelang, TPPO Crackdown
