JAKARTA, Legal Literacy – The Criminal Investigation Agency of the Indonesian National Police uncovered a case of the crime of trafficking in persons (TPPO) with the modus operandi of buying and selling babies marketed through social media under the guise of adoption. In this disclosure, investigators named 12 suspects—consisting of 8 intermediaries and 4 parents—and rescued 7 babies who were victims.

Adoption Modus Operandi on Social Media, Cross-Regional Network

Director of Criminal Acts of PPA-PPO of the Criminal Investigation Agency of the Indonesian National Police Brigadier General Nurul Azizah explained that the perpetrators offered “adoption” through platforms such as TikTok and Facebook, while looking for potential buyers and baby providers. This network is said to operate in a number of regions, including Jakarta, Bali, Jambi, to Papua.

The disclosure of the case, according to the Criminal Investigation Agency, began with a police report recorded on November 21, 2025, then developed through examination of witnesses and tracing transaction flows.

12 Suspects, 60 Witnesses Examined, Evidence Confiscated

During the investigation process, the police examined approximately 60 witnesses which included expert testimony, hospitals, and banking institutions. In addition, the Criminal Investigation Agency confiscated a number of pieces of evidence, including 21 mobile phone units, 17 ATM cards, 74 documents, and baby supplies.

The Criminal Investigation Agency also mentioned that this network has been operating since 2024 and is suspected of generating profits of up to hundreds of millions of rupiah.

Charged under the Child Protection Law and the Law on Eradication of Trafficking in Persons

The suspects are charged with multiple articles, including Article 76F jo Article 83 of Law 35/2014 concerning Child Protection as well as Article 6 of Law 21/2007 concerning the Eradication of Trafficking in Persons. The threat of imprisonment is said to range from 3–15 years in prison and a fine of IDR 120 million to IDR 600 million.

In conclusion, the National Police appealed to the public not to be tempted by offers of child adoption that do not go through official procedures, because the modus operandi of baby trafficking is often disguised as “adoption”.

This news is the result of synthesizing information from a number of credible sources to present a verified, complete, and balanced report to readers.