Makassar Students Trapped in Human Trafficking: Uncovering the Ferienjob Scam

Human Trafficking Operation Uncovered in Makassar

The South Sulawesi Police found a human trafficking operation involving 77 university students from Makassar. These students were lured to Germany for a holiday work program called “ferienjob.” They were promised jobs related to their fields of study but faced menial labor upon arrival.

According to Jamaluddin Farti, the Director of General Crimes at South Sulawesi Police, the ‘ferienjob’ program in Germany officially provides temporary work for university students during October, November, and December. However, some companies and universities in Makassar exploited this program to take advantage of students.

The students expected internships relevant to their studies and the opportunity to earn 20 academic credits. Instead, they were subjected to hard labor, and their promises were not fulfilled.

The police have started an investigation and plan to identify suspects soon. Currently, they are looking into three to four individuals from the involved university and company.

This incident is not isolated. In June, Indonesia’s National Police arrested Enyk Waldkoenig for trafficking 1,047 students from 33 universities, including the State University of Jakarta and Atma Jaya Catholic University. Most of these victims studied electrical engineering and were forced into physically demanding jobs.

This case highlights the ongoing issue of human trafficking disguised as internships. Authorities are determined to address this problem and protect students from exploitation.