Indonesian police have dismantled a baby trafficking operation in Depok, West Java, arresting eight individuals involved in a scheme where newborns were purchased via Facebook and resold in Bali for a profit.
Depok Police Chief Arya Perdana revealed the details of the case on Tuesday (Sep 3), explaining that the investigation began following a public tip-off.
The trafficking ring operated by buying babies from parents who advertised them on Facebook. Prices for the babies ranged from 10 million to 15 million rupiah (US$645 to US$968), according to CNN Indonesia.
The traffickers then transported the babies to Bali, where they were resold for up to 45 million rupiah.
During the operation, authorities found two infants—one male and one female—destined for sale and transport to Bali. The exact timing of this discovery was not specified.
The police described the syndicate as highly organized, having already completed five transactions in Bali and even operating a pre-order system. This allowed them to make arrangements with expectant parents to ensure the babies were transported immediately after birth.
The traffickers also targeted foreign nationals as potential buyers, offering the babies to those in need.
The eight arrested individuals, aged between 22 and 41, face charges of human trafficking and violations of child protection laws. The group includes:
RS (24) and AN (22), who acted as scouts and transporters. They located and purchased babies through Facebook and delivered them to MI in Tabanan, Bali. MI was not among those arrested.
IM (41), who financed the operation, sought buyers, and resold the babies for up to 45 million rupiah.
DA (27), who sold a baby to RS for 10 million rupiah after the child was born out of wedlock.
MD (32), DA’s partner, who assisted in selling the baby to RS.
SU (24), who sold her baby to AN for 10 million rupiah after her husband refused to raise the child.
DA (23), SU’s friend, who helped during the birth and facilitated the baby’s transfer to AN, earning a commission.
RK (30), SU’s husband, involved in the transaction due to his refusal to care for the child.
All suspects are in custody while legal proceedings continue. Human trafficking in Indonesia can result in a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a fine of 600 million rupiah, while violations of child protection laws carry similar penalties.
Police are also investigating whether the syndicate’s activities extend beyond Bali, noting that organized international crime can be widespread and involve actors from various locations.
