Allegations Against Two Bali Police Officers in Human Trafficking Case
Background of the Case
In a troubling development, two officers from the Bali Water and Air Police (Polairud) are alleged to be involved in a human trafficking case that has reportedly victimized dozens of individuals at Benoa Harbor, Bali. So far, authorities have identified 21 victims associated with this case. The allegations were brought to light by Siti Wahyatun, a lawyer representing the victims from the Advocacy for the Protection of Fishing Workers (Tangkap).
Details of the Allegations
During a press conference held on September 8, 2025, at the Bali Legal Aid Institute (LBH), Wahyatun revealed that the officers in question had been reported to the Bali Police Headquarters (Polda Bali). According to her, the officers visited the location where the victims were held captive on two occasions: August 9 and August 11, 2025.
Wahyatun stated, “We have evidence indicating the involvement of these two officers. They arrived at the ship where the victims were being held, the Motor Ship (KM) Awindo 2A, to document and photograph the victims.” On the second visit, she noted that the officers were accompanied by brokers who were allegedly involved in the recruitment of the victims, who were potential crew members for fishing vessels.
Victims’ Conditions
The victims were reportedly held on the KM Awindo 2A from August 8 to August 15, 2025. They were not engaged in fishing activities during this time, as their work permits were not yet valid. “In some cases, victims are housed in shelters, but in this instance, they were kept on the ship, waiting for their work permits,” Wahyatun explained. The victims were located in an area known as Kolam Labu at Benoa Harbor, which is approximately a ten-minute boat ride from the shore.
Police Involvement
The case was initially uncovered when police received information about a request for evacuation from crew members on July 29, 2025. Following this, the Bali Police’s Criminal Investigation Directorate (Ditreskrimum) conducted an investigation that led to the identification of the victims.
On August 23, 2025, the police officially registered the complaints of the 21 victims, documented under the Police Report Number: STTLP/591/VIII/2025/SPKT/Polda Bali. As part of the ongoing investigation, seven individuals have been reported, and the police are actively pursuing leads.
I Gede Andi Winaba, another lawyer representing the victims, stated that one officer, identified only by the initials PS, has been reported to the police. Further investigations have suggested that another officer may also be involved, although he was not actively participating in the trafficking.
Role of the Officers
The officers’ roles, as described by the victims, included verifying the identities of the potential crew members to ensure none were underage. They were also responsible for instructing the victims to sign their work permits without providing adequate time for them to read the documents. “The police officers, dressed in uniform, were present during the documentation process,” Winaba noted.
The victims have recounted that the officers not only documented their identities but also pressured them into signing the work permits immediately. This raises serious questions about the legality of the recruitment process and the officers’ involvement.
Ongoing Investigations
The Bali Police continue to investigate the human trafficking case, which has been linked to a larger network exploiting vulnerable individuals under the guise of employment opportunities. The police have stated that the victims come from various regions in Java, including East Java, Central Java, West Java, Banten, and Jakarta. Recruitment methods reportedly utilized social media to lure potential victims, who were then transported to Benoa Harbor.
Authorities are committed to thoroughly investigating the case, including the roles of those involved in the trafficking operations.
Key Facts
– Two officers from Bali’s Water and Air Police are accused of involvement in a human trafficking case.
– A total of 21 victims have been identified, all of whom were held on the KM Awindo 2A.
– The victims were detained from August 8 to August 15, 2025, without valid work permits.
– The police received information about the case on July 29, 2025, leading to an investigation.
– One officer has been reported to the police, with further investigations ongoing regarding other potential accomplices.
– Victims were recruited through social media and transported to Benoa Harbor for exploitation.
Source: www.cnnindonesia.com
