Investigation Unveils Exploitation of Indonesian Students in Germany’s ‘Ferienjob’ Program
An investigation by the Indonesian National Police has revealed that approximately 1,047 Indonesian students may have been exploited for labor under the guise of internships in Germany. The students, who were meant to gain educational experience, were instead forced into manual labor positions. Following reports from the Indonesian Embassy related to this issue, several universities, including the State University of Jakarta and Atma Jaya Catholic University, have suspended their internship programs and facilitated the safe return of the affected students.
A disturbing police investigation has uncovered that approximately 1,047 Indonesian students may have been victims of human trafficking in Germany under the guise of ‘ferienjob’, or holiday internships. Brigadier General Djuhandhani Rahardjo Puro, from the Indonesian National Police, revealed at a press conference that many of these students, who were enrolled in engineering programs, were forced to work in labor-intensive jobs rather than gain educational experience from the internships they were promised. The issue came to light following a report from the Indonesian Embassy in Germany concerning four students who sought assistance after discovering the harsh realities of their situations. Further investigations revealed that the program involved 33 universities in Indonesia and was facilitated by three labor agencies in Germany. Five suspects have been identified, including ER, the director of SHB, who played a crucial role in establishing partnerships with Indonesian universities. Both the State University of Jakarta (UNJ) and Atma Jaya Catholic University (UAJ) have since suspended their participation in the program, with UNJ repatriating 93 students and ensuring their safety. Meanwhile, UAJ terminated its program in early 2024, having sent 27 students abroad. The internal review highlighted serious flaws in the management of the internship placements, leading to the conclusion that the program did not fulfill its educational objectives. Overall, these revelations point towards systemic issues within the management of student internships abroad, prompting universities to take decisive action to protect their students.
In recent years, many Indonesian students have sought opportunities for internships abroad to enhance their academic and professional experiences. These internships, commonly referred to as ‘ferienjob’, are intended to provide temporary work during school holidays. However, reports have surfaced regarding the exploitation of these students in labor roles, undermining the purpose of these programs. This situation underscores the critical need for oversight and support for students studying abroad, particularly in light of increasing reports of human trafficking.
The unfolding situation regarding the alleged exploitation of over 1,000 Indonesian students in Germany serves as a wakeup call for educational institutions and regulatory bodies. It highlights the necessity for rigorous evaluations of internship programs and enhanced safeguards to protect students from potential human trafficking and exploitation. Consequently, universities must adopt stringent measures to ensure that educational experiences abroad align with their mission of advancing learning and protecting student welfare.
Original Source: jakartaglobe.id
