Jakarta. The Indonesian National Police's Criminal Investigation Department (Bareskrim Polri) has uncovered a human trafficking case involving 50 Indonesian nationals who were exploited as sex workers in Australia.

Djuhandani Rahardjo Puro, Director of General Crimes at Bareskrim, said that the operation, named 'Operation Mirani,' was a collaborative effort with the Australian Federal Police (AFP).

“This human trafficking case involved bringing Indonesian nationals to Australia for sexual exploitation,” Djuhandani said at a press conference in Jakarta on Tuesday.

Police arrested a suspect identified as FLA, 36, who was responsible for recruitment. FLA was arrested by the Indonesian Police in Kalideres, West Jakarta. According to the suspect, the trafficking network has been active since 2019.

“The suspect admitted that the network has been operating since 2019, recruiting and sending around 50 Indonesians to work as sex workers in Australia,” Djuhandani explained.

Another suspect, identified as SS alias Batman, was arrested in Australia. Batman's role was to house the victims.

FLA is charged under Article 4 of Indonesian Law No. 21 of 2007 on the Eradication of Human Trafficking, which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a fine of up to Rp 600 million.