Indonesia baby trafficking trial delayed as defendants lack lawyers in Bandung court case amid intl probe

The opening hearing in a major baby trafficking case involving an alleged international syndicate was adjourned on 31 March 2026, after a court in Bandung found that several defendants were not represented by legal counsel.

Proceedings at the Bandung District Court were expected to mark the start of the trial of 19 defendants. 

However, the panel of judges, led by Chief Judge Gatot Ardian Triyono, postponed the session for one week to allow those without legal representation to secure lawyers, as required under Indonesian criminal procedure for cases carrying significant penalties.

No charges were formally read during the session, which lasted less than 30 minutes.

The defendants—18 women and one man—arrived at the court at approximately 9.15am local time in an armoured prison vehicle.

They were seen wearing handcuffs and standard detention attire consisting of white shirts and red vests.

As they were escorted into holding cells, some lowered their heads while others covered their faces.

Court officials had to rearrange seating inside the courtroom to accommodate the large number of defendants, along with prosecutors, lawyers and members of the media.

During the session, the judges conducted an initial verification of each defendant’s identity.

The panel then reviewed the status of legal representation and found that only four of the accused were accompanied by lawyers, including 70-year-old Lie Siu Luan, who is identified as the alleged ringleader.

Chief Judge Triyono stated that the seriousness of the charges—some of which carry potential sentences exceeding 10 years’ imprisonment—requires all defendants to be represented by legal counsel throughout the proceedings. On that basis, the court ordered an adjournment.

The prosecution said it respected the decision. Lead prosecutor Sukanda noted that the defendants face varying charges under Indonesia’s Human Trafficking Law and Child Protection Law, with possible sentences ranging from eight to 12 years depending on their roles.

Alleged cross-border trafficking network

The case stems from an investigation by the West Java Regional Police, which uncovered an alleged trafficking network operating since 2023. Authorities believe the syndicate was involved in the sale of dozens of infants, with some cases linked to cross-border adoptions involving Singapore.

The principal suspect, Lie, also known as Lily, Popo and Ai, was arrested in July 2025 after previously being on the run.

According to the Director of General Criminal Investigation at the West Java Regional Police, Surawan, a total of 44 infants are believed to have been victims of the network, with the number potentially increasing as investigations continue.

Of these, 27 infants were allegedly sold abroad, while 17 were sold within Indonesia.

Police stated that eight infants have been rescued and are currently under the care of an orphanage in Bandung. During the course of the investigation, authorities also confirmed that one infant died in Pontianak, West Kalimantan, due to illness.

Earlier operations had identified infants being moved through transit points including Jakarta and Pontianak, with some prepared for transfer overseas using falsified identity documents.

Investigators allege that members of the syndicate performed distinct roles, including recruiting pregnant women, arranging care for newborns, managing transit safe houses and producing forged documents such as birth certificates and passports.

These documents were allegedly used to facilitate the movement of babies domestically and internationally.

According to the prosecution, infants were initially offered to prospective adoptive parents in Singapore, where higher payments could be obtained.

Babies not placed abroad were reportedly offered to families within Indonesia, while others were sent to orphanages.

Authorities also allege that some syndicate members posed as biological parents or relatives to avoid detection at immigration checkpoints and to present the transactions as legitimate adoptions.

Scale of the operation

The latest figures from investigators indicate a larger scale than previously reported, with at least 44 infants believed to have been trafficked since the network began operating.

Separate findings suggest that a significant number of children were transported across borders, including to Singapore, as part of the alleged scheme. Some cases are now under review by authorities there, as part of ongoing cross-border cooperation.

The investigation began following a report from a parent who had lost a child, leading police to uncover a broader network spanning multiple provinces.

Authorities have also identified additional suspects who have yet to stand trial, while several individuals believed to be involved remain at large.

Singapore response and ongoing investigations

In Singapore, the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) has been working with Indonesian authorities to investigate cases linked to the trafficking network.

The ministry said it had first been alerted to suspicious activity in April 2024, following a report from an adoption agency regarding an offer to supply babies with falsified documentation. Subsequent reviews at the time did not identify irregularities due to limited information.

It was only after further details emerged in 2025, including specific identities provided by Indonesian investigators, that Singapore authorities were able to link certain adoption cases to the network.

MSF and other agencies have since been engaging affected families, reviewing adoption cases and delaying some citizenship applications pending the outcome of investigations.

Next steps in legal proceedings

Indonesian police stated that investigations are ongoing to uncover a wider network, including illegal adoption practices at both international and domestic levels.

The trial in Bandung is scheduled to resume next week, once all defendants have secured legal representation. The next hearing is expected to proceed with the formal reading of charges.

Authorities in both Indonesia and Singapore have said they will continue coordinating efforts as the case develops, while prioritising the identification of victims and the enforcement of legal proceedings against those involved.