Indonesian Police Dismantle International Baby Trafficking Ring Linked to Singapore Adoptions

Police say their "immediate task" was to find the adopters in Singapore

Indonesian authorities have uncovered a major international baby trafficking syndicate that has allegedly sold at least 25 infants to buyers in Singapore since 2023. In a coordinated operation this week, police arrested 13 individuals across the cities of Pontianak and Tangerang and rescued six babies—each approximately one year old—who were on the verge of being trafficked.

The investigation revealed that the syndicate targeted vulnerable parents and expectant mothers, particularly those facing financial hardship or social stigma. In many instances, initial contact was made via Facebook before conversations shifted to more discreet messaging platforms like WhatsApp. Police noted that some infants were “reserved” while still in the womb. Upon birth, the traffickers would cover delivery costs and pay compensation to the mothers in exchange for the babies.

Authorities say the babies were first housed in Pontianak, where their immigration and civil documentation—including forged birth certificates and passports—were prepared. The infants were then transported through Jakarta before being sent overseas. Each child was reportedly sold for between 11 million and 16 million Indonesian rupiah (approximately $673 to $980 USD). Those sold included at least 12 boys and 13 girls, primarily from districts across West Java province.

The criminal network included recruiters who sought out babies, caretakers who sheltered the infants before transit, and document forgers responsible for preparing false identities to facilitate international travel. Some of the babies had already undergone changes in nationality by the time authorities intervened, and officials are still working to locate their travel documents.

West Java Police’s director of general criminal investigation, Surawan, stated that the "immediate task" was to identify and locate the Singaporean adopters. Authorities are cross-referencing travel and adoption records to track down individuals who may have taken custody of trafficked children. Indonesian police have also requested assistance from Interpol and law enforcement in Singapore to arrest syndicate members who remain at large and to pursue buyers involved in illegal adoptions.

Surawan added that some parents falsely reported their babies as kidnapped when brokers failed to pay the agreed amounts. He warned that parents who willingly surrendered their children in exchange for money could also face prosecution under Indonesia’s child protection and human trafficking laws.

The Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI) emphasized the increasing danger of such syndicates, with commissioner Ai Rahmayanti explaining that traffickers often exploit women in desperate situations, including those who have experienced sexual violence, abandonment, or unintended pregnancies. With abortion heavily restricted in Indonesia, many women are left with few legal options.

Traffickers often disguise their operations as legitimate maternity clinics, orphanages, or shelters, using compassionate language to build trust before illegally transferring custody. "They may say, ‘you can give birth and take your baby home,’ but in reality, they offer money and take the child away," Rahmayanti said.

While there is no comprehensive national database on baby trafficking in Indonesia, KPAI’s statistics indicate a disturbing rise in illegal adoptions. In 2020, the organization recorded 11 cases involving child victims. By 2023, that number had surged to 59.

One recent case in 2024 involved attempted baby sales in Depok, West Java, and Bali. Rahmayanti noted that the price of trafficked babies varies depending on location and physical attributes, with prices ranging from Rp11 million to Rp15 million in Java, and up to Rp26 million in Bali.

Indonesian authorities say more arrests and international cooperation are expected as investigations continue.