Indonesian Students in Germany Exploited: Police Investigation Unveils Human Trafficking Under ‘Ferienjob’
A police investigation has uncovered that approximately 1,047 Indonesian students in Germany were exploited as laborers under the guise of ‘ferienjob’ internships. These students, who were primarily studying electrical engineering, were forced into physically demanding labor contrary to their educational focus. The State University of Jakarta and Atma Jaya Catholic University have since ceased their programs and taken remedial actions to ensure student safety following these findings.
A significant police investigation in Germany has uncovered alarming human trafficking cases involving approximately 1,047 Indonesian students who were exploited under the guise of ‘ferienjob’ internships. Reports indicate these students, many of whom were pursuing their education in electrical engineering, were instead forced into manual labor roles, carrying heavy loads in physically demanding jobs that did not align with their field of study. According to Brigadier General Djuhandhani Rahardjo Puro, Director of the General Crime Division of the Indonesian National Police, the situation was brought to light following concerns raised by the Indonesian Embassy in Germany after four students reached out for assistance. The investigation revealed that these students were sent to Germany through a collaboration involving 33 Indonesian universities and three labor agencies in Germany. Following the announcement of the investigation, five suspects connected to this illicit operation have been identified, with one of the suspects, ER, being instrumental in establishing cooperative agreements between the State University of Jakarta and a human resources agency. Due to the gravity of the situation, the State University of Jakarta has terminated its involvement in the program and repatriated 93 students. In a related development, Atma Jaya Catholic University has also ceased its participation in the ‘ferienjob’ program, which began in late 2023, following internal evaluations that highlighted critical issues surrounding job placements and student welfare. The university’s Secretary, Agustina Dwi Retno Nurcahyanti, affirmed that their priority was ensuring the safety and health of their students, all of whom have now returned home unscathed. The investigations and subsequent cancellations of these programs arise from a pressing need to protect students from exploitation and ensure that international internship programs serve their educational purposes without compromise.
The ‘ferienjob’ program, which translates to ‘holiday job’ in German, is designed to provide students with temporary employment opportunities during their academic breaks. Such programs are intended to enhance students’ practical experience and supplement their income. However, the recent police investigation highlights a disturbing trend where these supposed internships become fronts for labor exploitation. With around 1,047 Indonesian students affected, the gravity of human trafficking in this context raises significant concerns about the oversight and management of international internship programs. The cases brought to the forefront underscore the necessity for stringent safeguards and clearer regulations governing student employment abroad.
The investigation into the exploitation of Indonesian students in Germany underscores the urgent need for oversight in international internship programs. With over a thousand students impacted, and universities like the State University of Jakarta and Atma Jaya Catholic University taking swift action to terminate their involvement, it is clear that measures must be implemented to protect students from potential abuse. These alarming revelations call for a reevaluation of how such programs are structured and monitored to prevent future occurrences of exploitation under the guise of educational opportunities.
Original Source: jakartaglobe.id
