Batam, CNN Indonesia —

Abdul Kadir Karding, the Minister of Migrant Worker Protection and Head of BP2MI, has pledged to expose the major players involved in the smuggling of Indonesian Migrant Workers (PMI) illegally crossing into neighboring countries through the official port of Batam Centre, located in Batam, Riau Islands.

He emphasized that his ministry is taking the issue of Human Trafficking (TPPO) seriously, following directives from President Prabowo Subianto.

“If any media colleagues have information about the individuals or businesses involved, I promise to investigate,” he stated during an interview with reporters on Saturday (December 7).

In the fight against TPPO syndicate mafia, the ministry is coordinating with TNI, Polri, and Immigration authorities.

He noted that the ministry cannot operate independently, especially when it comes to uncovering significant cases.

“Our ministry cannot tackle major cases alone. We need to collaborate and coordinate with relevant parties,” he explained.

On Friday (December 6), Kombes Imam Riyadi, Head of the Indonesian Migrant Worker Protection Service Center (BP3MI) for the Riau Islands Province, revealed that the Batam Centre International Port is being exploited by smugglers to send illegal PMIs by sea to neighboring Malaysia and Singapore.

Recently apprehended was an ASN from BP Batam, identified as RS (50), who was arrested by police on Saturday (November 16). He is a resident of Batu Aji Batam.

RS was detained for facilitating the illegal departure of several individuals as PMIs to Singapore via ferry from the Batam Centre International Port.

“Yes, the Batam Centre International Port has become a hub for the smuggling of illegal PMIs to neighboring countries, involving individuals from BP Batam,” stated Kombes Imam Riyadi when contacted by CNNIndonesia.com on Friday (December 6).

Further, he indicated that the smuggling of illegal PMIs to neighboring countries no longer relies on clandestine ports or back channels, but rather utilizes official ports with tourist visas.

According to preliminary data collected by BP3MI for Riau Islands Province as of Thursday (December 5), there have been 2,603 cases of protection for PMIs.

Out of this number, 950 individuals were prevented from being smuggled through official ports, while only 253 cases involved back-channel smuggling. The remaining 1,520 PMIs with issues were deported by neighboring countries back to Riau Islands.

“Currently, the smuggling of illegal PMIs is no longer conducted through clandestine ports; it mainly occurs through official ports, with Batam Centre being the most utilized,” he stated.

He added that the number of protection cases for illegal PMIs is expected to rise as the year-end approaches, especially with the upcoming Christmas and New Year 2025 celebrations, which often lead to increased travel to neighboring countries.

(arp/sfr)

[Gambas:Video CNN]