Investigation Uncovers Exploitation of Indonesian Students in Germany Under ‘Ferienjob’ Scheme

Police investigations have revealed that 1,047 Indonesian students in Germany have been exploited as manual laborers disguised as ‘ferienjob’ internships. Aimed at providing temporary work during academic breaks, these programs have instead facilitated human trafficking. Major Indonesian universities have ceased operations of the program, and several suspects have been identified by authorities.

A recent investigation by the Indonesian National Police has uncovered that approximately 1,047 Indonesian students in Germany have become victims of human trafficking under the guise of temporary internships, referred to as ‘ferienjob’. These students, predominantly studying electrical engineering, were reportedly employed as manual laborers rather than in their field of study. Brigadier General Djuhandhani Rahardjo Puro, the Director of General Crime in the Indonesian National Police, disclosed during a press conference that students were misclassified for labor roles that required significant physical effort, thus undermining their educational objectives. The disturbing revelations surfaced following a plea for assistance from four students who approached the Indonesian Embassy in Germany while participating in the aforementioned program. Further investigations indicated an extensive operation involving 33 Indonesian universities, which had facilitated the sending of students abroad through three labor agencies linked to Germany. The police have since identified five individuals as suspects in these human trafficking offenses, one of whom is a director of a human resources agency implicated in the arrangement of these internships. In response to the gravity of the situation, the State University of Jakarta has already discontinued its involvement in this program and has repatriated a group of 93 affected students. Meanwhile, Atma Jaya Catholic University has announced the termination of its ferienjob program following similar concerns, confirming that all its participants returned safely. Agustina Dwi Retno Nurcahyanti, Secretary of Atma Jaya, highlighted that the decision came after an internal evaluation which revealed significant shortcomings in the management of the program, particularly regarding student placement and associated financial issues. This situation has raised critical concerns regarding the oversight of international internship programs and the vulnerability of students to exploitation within such frameworks.

The issue of student exploitation under the guise of internship programs, particularly in foreign countries, highlights a pressing concern within educational and labor systems. The ‘ferienjob’ scheme, intended to provide students with valuable work experience during academic breaks, has instead led to instances of human trafficking. This investigation serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and proper regulatory measures to prevent exploitation in international labor settings. The significant involvement of multiple educational institutions raises questions about the protocols in place to ensure the safety and well-being of students abroad.

In conclusion, the alarming findings of the Indonesian National Police regarding the trafficking of over a thousand students under the guise of internships in Germany underscore a critical failure in program oversight and student protection. The proactive steps taken by universities to terminate their involvement in the program highlight a necessity for immediate reforms and stricter regulations in managing international internships. This case serves as a cautionary tale about the potential dangers facing students who seek global educational opportunities.

Original Source: jakartaglobe.id