JAKARTA – Indonesia is working closely with South Korean authorities to investigate an alleged human trafficking ring on Jeju Island reportedly involving several Indonesian nationals.
The investigation follows social media posts by an Indonesian resident in Jeju using the handle @kioyyx_, who alleged that an Indonesian-run broker syndicate in Seogwipo was recruiting Indonesian citizens into illegal labour schemes.
In a statement released on August 31, Indonesian Foreign Ministry Director for the Protection of Indonesian Citizens Heni Hamidah said a preliminary assessment by the Indonesian Embassy (KBRI) in Seoul indicated that the case stemmed from alleged visa fraud by a broker syndicate, as reported by Antara.
The case first surfaced in June before gaining wider 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 said.
She added that South Korean authorities had yet to issue official findings as the investigation remained ongoing.
The social media user who brought the alleged trafficking operation to public attention said they had also formally submitted a complaint to the Jeju Immigration Office.
Local immigration authorities reportedly confirmed receiving the complaint and said an investigation was underway.
Meanwhile, the Indonesian Foreign Ministry is monitoring a separate investigation on Jeju Island involving allegations of misconduct by local law enforcement.
The case concerns a South Korean national who had been missing since May and whose body was discovered on August 24.
According to the ministry, Indonesian 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 said.
She said Indonesian diplomats were closely monitoring both investigations to ensure transparency and protect the interests of Indonesian citizens.
The Indonesian Foreign Ministry said it would continue intensive diplomatic coordination with South Korean authorities and provide further updates as more details are verified.
