NTT Police Rescues TPPO Victims from West Java

NGOCSTIP – In a significant operation, the NTT Police successfully rescued a woman who had been trafficked for illegal employment. The operation, led by AKP Yance Kadiaman of the Unit for Human Trafficking Crimes (TPPO), took place on Tuesday, February 25, 2025. Nofriana Ribka Tanggela, a woman from NTT, had been recruited illegally and forced to work as a babysitter without a formal contract.

The Operation to Free the Victim

The police acted swiftly, working with the TPPO Task Force of Bareskrim Polri. Nofriana faced coercion while working for PT Tamara Gempita Utama in Cikampek, West Java. The company forced her to work under duress without fair compensation. Kombes Henry Novika Chandra, Head of Public Relations of Polda NTT, stated that Nofriana wanted to return home but became trapped by the company. They told her she needed to pay off a debt of IDR 7 million before she could leave.

The company withheld her freedom by claiming that her transportation and daily food costs kept increasing. They demanded this debt repayment before she could return home. Feeling helpless, Nofriana reached out for help, prompting a swift response from the NTT Police.

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Victim Rescued and Given Protection

The NTT Police acted quickly after receiving the report, coordinating with local officials to ensure the victim’s safety. They arranged for the payment of the debt the company forced upon her. After settling the payment, authorities released Nofriana and provided her with protection. She now stays at the Trauma Center Protection House (RPTC) in Jakarta. Her return to Kupang, NTT, is scheduled for March 1, 2025, with a flight via Garuda Indonesia at 07:00 WIB. The NTT Police continue to investigate the case and work to prevent further exploitation.

Investigation into the Human Trafficking Case

The NTT Police have summoned PT Tamara Gempita Utama to clarify their involvement in the illegal recruitment. The company, which supplies labor for babysitters and elderly caregivers, is under investigation. Authorities will examine the company on Friday, February 28, 2025, at the Sub-Directorate III of Dittipid PPA and PPO Bareskrim Polri.

This incident highlights the ongoing human trafficking issue in the region. Local authorities are stepping up their efforts to prevent illegal practices that exploit vulnerable citizens. The police have emphasized that they will pursue the case until its resolution.

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Raising Awareness and Preventing Exploitation

Kombes Henry Novika Chandra has urged the public to be more cautious about job offers that do not follow legal procedures. “We will continue investigating this case thoroughly and ensure no more illegal recruitment practices harm the people of NTT,” Henry said.

He also encouraged residents to report any suspicious activities related to human trafficking. With public vigilance and cooperation, the NTT Police aim to prevent further exploitation.

The ongoing fight against human trafficking in NTT underscores the importance of public awareness. By staying informed and alert, communities can help end illegal recruitment and exploitation in the region.