Investigations Uncover Human Trafficking of Indonesian Students in Germany Under Misleading ‘Ferienjob’ Program

A police investigation has revealed that approximately 1,047 Indonesian students in Germany were reportedly exploited as laborers under a misleading internship program known as “ferienjob.” The Indonesian National Police, responding to reports from the Indonesian Embassy, identified significant misconduct involving key individuals linked to several Indonesian universities. Consequently, involved institutions like the State University of Jakarta and Atma Jaya Catholic University have decided to terminate their participation in the program and repatriate their students, highlighting the urgent need for oversight in student internship programs abroad.

Recent investigations conducted by the Indonesian National Police have uncovered a troubling case of alleged human trafficking involving approximately 1,047 Indonesian students in Germany. These students, who enrolled in programs marketed as “ferienjob”—a German term for temporary work or internships—were reportedly exploited as manual laborers instead of engaging in relevant internships aligned with their fields of study. Brigadier General Djuhandhani Rahardjo Puro, Director of General Crime at the Indonesian National Police Criminal Investigation Department, revealed that these individuals predominantly studied electrical engineering but instead found themselves performing physically demanding tasks, such as heavy lifting, misrepresented as part of their internship experience. The investigation unfolded following a report from the Indonesian Embassy in Germany, which highlighted the plight of four students seeking assistance while participating in this program. Further inquiries disclosed that thirty-three Indonesian universities collaborated with three German labor agencies to facilitate this internship scheme. Among those identified as suspects is ER, the director of a human resources agency known as SHB, responsible for orchestrating partnerships and agreements between Indonesian universities and German entities. In light of these revelations, the State University of Jakarta (UNJ) has severed its ties with the program and successfully repatriated ninety-three students. Similarly, Atma Jaya Catholic University (UAJ) announced it would terminate its participation in the “ferienjob” program due to concerns over ethical practices and potential exploitation, following an evaluation that found inadequate oversight of job placements and financial discrepancies related to student accommodations. UAJ, which had dispatched twenty-seven students in October 2023, noted that all participants returned safely, emphasizing the importance of student welfare as a priority. The Secretary of UAJ, Agustina Dwi Retno Nurcahyanti, stated, “We conducted an internal investigation and thorough evaluation of the Ferienjob Germany program’s progress and ensured its immediate termination since the beginning of the year. All our students returned safely and that’s what matters most.” This decision underscores a growing awareness and proactive response to the risks associated with overseas internship programs.

The phenomenon of students participating in so-called internships abroad, often marketed as skill-building opportunities, raises questions regarding the safeguarding of their rights and well-being. Initial reports from the Indonesian Embassy indicated a possible case of human trafficking when complaints emerged about students in Germany not receiving the promised educational experience but rather enduring strenuous labor instead. The “ferienjob” program, designed for students to engage in temporary work opportunities during academic breaks, has become a focal point for discussing the ethical and legal implications surrounding student internships put forth by educational institutions collaborating with foreign employers. As educational establishments face scrutiny, the broader issue of human trafficking and exploitation of vulnerable populations, especially young students, remains a critical concern that demands strict regulatory oversight.

The investigation into the exploitation of Indonesian students in Germany has unveiled significant misconduct involving human trafficking disguised as legitimate internship programs. With over a thousand affected students, both the State University of Jakarta and Atma Jaya Catholic University have responded decisively by terminating their participation in the program. As institutions reassess their overseas internship offerings, this case serves as a poignant reminder of the potential risks associated with such arrangements and emphasizes the necessity for rigorous safeguards to protect students in international work placements.

Original Source: jakartaglobe.id