Indonesian Court Convicts 19 in Baby-Trafficking Ring as Fate of 12 Babies in Singapore Remains Unclear
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 23
Indonesian Court Convicts 19 in Baby-Trafficking Ring as Fate of 12 Babies in Singapore Remains Unclear
3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 23
Summary
A West Java court found 19 people guilty of trafficking at least 34 babies, ending a closely watched Indonesian case but leaving unresolved what happens to at least 12 infants sent to Singapore.
Court findings showed the ring used false birth certificates and family cards, listing syndicate members as birth mothers to secure documents and move babies into adoptions between 2023 and 2025.
Indonesia's foreign ministry said the children’s legal status, biological parents’ identities and Singapore proceedings still need review, while Singapore had not given a fresh response after the verdict.
Lawyers said revoking Singapore adoption orders would be highly unusual, with courts likely to weigh fraudulent paperwork against the child’s welfare, psychological impact and time already spent with adoptive families.
The case has exposed a deeper dilemma: some Indonesian child-rights advocates want the babies returned on principle, but authorities still have not identified all birth parents and some children could end up in state care.
In July 2026, an Indonesian baby trafficking syndicate was convicted in Bandung, with members receiving up to seven years in prison. The investigation uncovered a structured system for trafficking infants, involving notarized documents and high fees billed to a Singaporean agency, showing the syndicate’s international reach. While some defendants, like Lie Siu Luan, accepted their sentences—citing cooperation and age as factors for leniency—others planned to appeal. The case has sparked legal and humanitarian concerns for the trafficked children, prompting both Indonesia and Singapore to review adoption processes and prioritize the welfare of affected families and children.