TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian Ambassador to Singapore, Suryopratomo, cast doubts on the baby trafficking syndicate to Singapore, as entering the neighboring state is difficult.
Suryopratomo even considers it nearly impossible that the babies were actually planned to be sent to Singapore. "It seems unlikely. Entering Singapore is difficult," he said, in a brief text message on Tuesday, July 15, 2025.
Not everyone can easily obtain a Singaporean passport, the ambassador said, considering the tedious process. Suryopratomo even doubts whether the previously confiscated passports are valid. "If the baby uses an Indonesian passport, how would they bring them to Singapore?"
Even if the passports are valid and the victims can be brought into Singapore, the airport authorities will inquire about the infants' parents. "ICA (Immigration and Checkpoint Authority) will surely ask the perpetrators, 'Why is the baby not taken back home?'" he said.
Suryopratomo claims that he's not aware of such case, and has received no reports about the alleged baby trafficking. "I don't know," said the man commonly known as Tommy
Previously, the West Java Regional Police uncovered an international baby trafficking case. This crime is suspected to have been ongoing since 2023. "It is estimated that about 24 babies have been traded," said West Java Regional Police Public Relations Head Grand Commissioner Hendra Rochmawan in a written statement on Tuesday, July 15, 2025.
From the dozens of babies who became victims, the police have rescued six babies. "We have already obtained 1 in Tangerang and 5 in Pontianak, who are planned to be sent to Singapore," said West Java Regional Police General Crime Detective Director Grand Commissioner Surawan.
According to Surawan, the victimized babies mostly come from the West Java region and are suspected of being kidnapped. "They are planned to be sent to Singapore and are already equipped with fake documents," said Surawan.
The police have currently arrested 12 people suspected of being involved in the baby trafficking. They have also been designated as suspects. "Some are involved as baby recruiters, even from the time they are still in the womb. Some are also tasked with caring for the babies, sheltering them, and making fake identity documents," said Surawan.
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