Case Chronology
Rizal Sampurna, an Indonesian migrant worker from Banyuwangi, East Java, was found dead in Cambodia in April 2025. Rizal had been promised a high-paying job abroad but instead fell victim to exploitation and crimes that qualify as Human Trafficking under Indonesian law.
According to his family and friends, Rizal had reached out to his family for help prior to his death, reporting inhumane treatment, including being handcuffed by recruiters. These circumstances point to the threats and coercion Rizal endured while working abroad.
Rizal’s body was discovered with suspicious injuries, raising concerns about potential abuse or negligence in providing medical care. His family is now demanding justice and urging authorities to thoroughly investigate the case.
Legal Aspects
Rizal Sampurna’s case clearly fulfills the elements of human trafficking as outlined in Law Number 21 of 2007 on the Eradication of Human Trafficking Crimes. Under Article 2, Paragraph (1) of this law, human trafficking includes recruitment, transportation, or harboring through the use of threats, deception, abuse of power, or inducements for the purpose of exploitation.
Legal Penalties:
- Imprisonment: 3 to 15 years.
- Fines: IDR 120 million to IDR 600 million.
In this context, the recruiters who promised Rizal a job abroad but exploited him can be criminally charged under the provisions above. The use of threats and violence against Rizal also allows for additional charges under the Indonesian Penal Code.
Actions by the Government and Law Enforcement
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs:
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in coordination with the Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh, facilitated the initial investigation into Rizal’s case. His remains have been repatriated to Banyuwangi for burial by his family. - Law Enforcement Agencies:
The police are conducting a thorough investigation to uncover the network of perpetrators involved in Rizal’s illegal recruitment. Several suspects linked to the recruitment process are currently undergoing legal proceedings. - Role of BP2MI:
The Indonesian Migrant Worker Protection Agency (BP2MI) has urged the public to remain vigilant against illegal labor agencies and to report suspicious recruitment offers immediately.
Recommendations and Solutions
The case of Rizal Sampurna highlights the importance of vigilance in responding to foreign job offers, especially those not facilitated through official channels. Here are several recommended steps:
- Verify Job Offers: Ensure that job offers are verified through the Ministry of Manpower or BP2MI.
- Strict Oversight: The government must tighten its oversight of labor agencies operating without proper licensing.
- Strict Law Enforcement: Perpetrators of human trafficking must face severe punishments to deter such crimes.
Conclusion
The tragedy that befell Rizal Sampurna is a sobering reminder of the need for greater protection for Indonesian migrant workers. Strong law enforcement and proactive prevention are crucial to ensuring that similar cases do not happen in the future.