A 25-year-old Indonesian woman, Gina, thought she was coming to Singapore to work as a maid, but she soon realized she had fallen victim to a human trafficking scheme. Gina was recommended the job by a friend in Batam, who told her she would be cleaning or entertaining clients. Unaware that she needed a work permit to legally work in Singapore, Gina arrived on January 25 and was directed to a hotel on Amber Road. There, she noticed women in revealing clothes frequently entering and exiting a room, leading her to suspect she had been trafficked.
Gina’s ordeal began when the person who arranged her trip deleted their Telegram conversations upon her arrival, leaving her with no way to contact them. Initially, Gina was motivated to work hard to support her two children back in Batam. However, her hopes were shattered when she realized the true nature of the "job" she had been lured into. Panicked and shocked, she discovered that the other women at the hotel were also victims, but they continued working out of financial desperation.
Fortunately, Gina had a friend in Singapore, Ridhwan Lee, 28, whom she had met in 2018 when he visited Batam to donate to an orphanage. Ridhwan noticed Gina’s WhatsApp status indicating she was in Singapore and contacted her. Gina revealed her situation through coded messages, using the word "crocodile" to signal she needed help—a code they had established in 2019. Ridhwan and his friend Zulfakar quickly sprang into action, deciding not to involve the police immediately due to concerns for Gina’s safety.
Ridhwan and Zulfakar met Gina at the hotel lobby, where they found her visibly distressed. After ensuring her safety, they helped her take a ferry back to Batam the next day. Once Gina was safely home, Ridhwan filed a police report, fearing there might be more victims trapped in the trafficking ring. He shared the story to raise awareness about the dangers of human trafficking and the importance of vigilance.
The police confirmed that a report was lodged and are investigating the matter. Gina’s story sheds light on the dark reality of human trafficking, even in a developed country like Singapore. It serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by migrant workers and the deceptive tactics used by traffickers to exploit them.
Gina’s experience highlights the need for greater awareness and education about human trafficking, particularly among vulnerable communities. It also underscores the importance of having support networks and emergency plans in place for those who may find themselves in dangerous situations. Ridhwan’s quick thinking and the prearranged code word played a crucial role in Gina’s escape, demonstrating the value of preparedness and solidarity.
As authorities continue their investigation, Gina’s story serves as a call to action for stronger measures to combat human trafficking and protect potential victims. It also reminds us of the resilience and courage of survivors like Gina, who, despite facing unimaginable challenges, found a way to reclaim their freedom.
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