Antara News·Indonesia·Monday, August 31, 2026 at 12:08 PM

Indonesia, South Korea probe alleged human trafficking ring on Jeju

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Cindy Frishanti Octavia, Yashinta Difa

..South Korean authorities had not yet issued official findings, as the case remains under investigation.

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is working closely with South Korean authorities to investigate an alleged human trafficking ring operating on Jeju Island that reportedly involves several Indonesian nationals.

The diplomatic response follows widespread social media posts by an Indonesian resident in Jeju using the handle @kioyyx_, who claimed that an Indonesian-run broker syndicate in Seogwipo was luring Indonesian citizens into illegal labor schemes.

In a statement released on Monday, the ministry’s Director for the Protection of Indonesian Citizens, Heni Hamidah, explained that a preliminary assessment by the Indonesian Embassy (KBRI) in Seoul indicated that the incident stemmed from alleged visa fraud carried out by a broker syndicate.

The case first surfaced in June 2026 before gaining public attention on social media.

“As a follow-up, the Indonesian Embassy in Seoul has been coordinating intensively with the Jeju Police and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea to obtain official details and verify whether Indonesian citizens were victimized,” Heni noted.

She added that South Korean authorities had not yet issued official findings, as the case remains under investigation.

Meanwhile, the ministry is monitoring a separate investigation on Jeju Island involving a missing-person case that has raised concerns over alleged misconduct by local law enforcement.

According to the ministry, the body of a South Korean national who had been missing since May 2026 was discovered on August 24. Embassy officials received reports alleging that local police officers had tampered with evidence and attempted to cover up irregularities during the initial investigation.

“Currently, the Jeju Police are reviewing allegations of similar misconduct across 289 other cases,” Heni revealed, adding that Indonesian diplomats are closely monitoring both investigations to ensure transparency and protect the interests of Indonesian citizens.

The social media user whose posts brought the alleged trafficking operation to public attention said online that they had formally submitted a complaint regarding the alleged Seogwipo human trafficking operation to the Jeju Immigration Office. Local immigration authorities reportedly confirmed receipt of the report and stated that an investigation was underway.

The Indonesian Foreign Ministry assured that it would continue intensive diplomatic coordination with South Korean authorities and provide further updates as new details are verified.

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