A 36-year-old Indonesian man, identified as RA, has been arrested for allegedly selling his 11-month-old baby on Facebook without his wife’s knowledge. RA reportedly sold the child for just 15 million Indonesian Rupiah (approximately £730) to fund his online gambling addiction.
The shocking incident was uncovered when the child’s biological mother returned to their home in Tangerang, West Jakarta, and found that her baby was missing. After realizing what had happened, she immediately reported the matter to the authorities, leading to RA’s arrest.
RA has been charged with human trafficking, and the baby has since been rescued by local police. The case highlights the dangers of online gambling addiction and its devastating impact on families. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the sale of the child and those involved in the transaction.
Tangerang City Metro Police Chief Zain Dwi Nugroho told local media: “She pressed RA to share the whereabouts of their child until he eventually confessed that he had sold the newborn. “She then brought him to make a report at the Tangerang City Police Department.
After being interrogated by detectives, RA admitted to selling his baby to lessen his debts.
But once he had the money, he said he impulsively used the money online.
The buyers, identified only as HK and MO, were also arrested for suspected involvement in a human trafficking network.
HK and MO are being investigated for suspected involvement in a larger human trafficking network, though no details of this are currently known.
The Indonesian Child Protection Commission condemned the shocking incident.
Its chief, Ai Maryati, told local media: “It is worrying that [RA] is using his financial situation to engage in activities that are being eradicated by the state and with children being sold, he is also violating basic human rights.
It comes just weeks after police uncovered a baby trafficking ring in Depok, a city south of Jakarta, where they arrested eight people involved in the online trade of children.
Arya Perdan, the city’s top cop, said the children were being advertised on Facebook and were being sold for prices ranging from 10 million to 15 million Indonesian rupiah (£490 to £740).
The children were then taken to Bali, where they were re-sold for as much as 45 million rupiah (£2,195).
