JAKARTA: Police in North Sumatra stopped an alleged human smuggling operation and rescued 36 Indonesians, including eight women, who were about to be trafficked to Malaysia in a pre-dawn raid at a coastal shelter in Silo Baru village, Asahan Regency, last Sunday.

The shelter, located in a fish warehouse, had raised suspicion after reports of unusual activity.

North Sumatra Police Criminal Investigation Director, Commissioner Ricko Taruna Mauruh, said three suspects were arrested during the operation.

“They had different roles, from recruiting people through social media to working as ship crew and maintaining engines.”

"One suspect admitted he was paid Rp 500,000 (USD 32) by a ship owner, while another received Rp 1.5 million (USD 97) per week from the shelter operator,” Ricko said.

The three suspects are now being held at the provincial police headquarters for further questioning, Ricko added.

Meanwhile, the rescued workers were sent to the Indonesian Migrant Workers Protection and Service Centre (BP3MI) for registration and assistance.

Authorities reminded Indonesians not to take illegal routes when seeking jobs overseas, as it exposes them to the dangers of exploitation and human trafficking.