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View all search resultsWest Java Police arrest 13 for allegedly trafficking newborn babies to Singapore
The Police said most of the trafficked babies were taken from West Java and had been "sold" by their own parents, in many cases before they were even born. Authorities are now considering whether to also charge the parents involved in the scheme.
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West Java Police spokesperson Sr. Comr. Hendrawan Rochmawan (center) and Director of General Crime Investigation Sr. Comr. Surawan (left) speak to the press at West Java Police headquarters in Bandung on July 17, 2025, following the arrest of 13 suspects involved in an alleged human trafficking case. Authorities revealed the suspects trafficked at least 25 babies, mostly to Singapore, through an illegal adoption network. (Antara Foto/Novrian Arbi/tom.)
T
he West Java Police have arrested 13 people suspected of trafficking dozens of newborn babies to Singapore through an illegal adoption network.
Authorities said the syndicate had been operating since 2023 and is believed to have trafficked at least 25 infants, mostly to Singapore, with some also sent to various cities across Indonesia.
During the arrests, police also rescued six babies who were in the suspects’ care and were allegedly about to be trafficked to Singapore. Authorities have conducted medical examinations on the infants, who are now being temporarily housed at an orphanage in Bandung, West Java.
West Java Police spokesperson Sr. Comr. Hendra Rochmawan said authorities are also pursuing three additional suspects, identified only by their initials P, NY and YT, who are believed to be part of the trafficking syndicate.
"We will soon issue a fugitive notice for the suspects," Hendra said at a press conference on Thursday, adding that one of the fugitives is suspected to be the mastermind behind the operation.
The 13 suspects have been charged under Article 21 of the 2007 Law on the Eradication of Human Trafficking, which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison and a fine of up to Rp 600 million (US$36,694).
Read also: 83 Indonesians fall victim to human trafficking to European countries
