Govt Urged to Probe Alleged Human Trafficking in German Internship Scam

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Beranda Perempuan and Beranda Migran, NGOs actively promoting and defending the rights of women and migrants, expressed concern over alleged human trafficking under the guise of internships in Germany. At least 1,047 students from 33 universities across Indonesia are suspected of being the victims.

Zubaidah, Director of Beranda Perempuan Indonesia, urged all parties involved to take responsibility and called for a thorough investigation. She alleged that universities were complicit in this ruthless practice.

“They (students) are trapped in this fake internship program because of the university's interference. Students are treated as educational experimental objects to be arbitrarily mobilized to meet the need for manual labor in Germany,” Zubaidah said in her official statement on Sunday, March 24. Beranda Perempuan is currently assisting the survivors at the Jambi University.

She believed that such practices are a reflection of an educational system that positions universities as machines for producing cheap labor, rather than a place of learning. “The university has been negligent in ensuring security and development,” she remarked.

Therefore, Zubaidah demanded accountability from the universities involved to stop all overseas internship programs that are detrimental to students and families and provide free assistance to victims and families.

The universities should also ensure the recovery and compensation of the victims and their families, she added.

Zubaidah also urged the government to conduct an in-depth investigation and impose severe sanctions on the perpetrators. She expected the government to consult with various groups caring for migrants, human trafficking victims, and students and educate all universities on the issue.

ADIL AL HASAN