Indonesian Babies Trafficked to Singapore Face Uncertain Future After Convictions
At least 12 Indonesian babies trafficked to Singapore are still in limbo as 19 people are found guilty of setting up a trafficking network to procure and sell babies for adoption in the country.
The West Java court convicted members of the syndicate of trafficking at least 34 babies, most of whom were to be adopted in Singapore.
The convictions have reignited worries about what should be done for the children now, especially those who are already residing with adoptive families in Singapore.
Some adoptive parents have reported that they were not aware that the children they had adopted from Indonesia might have been trafficked. David, a Singaporean parent who spoke to the BBC, called on the authorities in Indonesia and Singapore to make a decision in the best interests of the children.
Several matters remain to be explored, such as the legal status of the children and who their biological parents are, the Foreign Affairs Ministry said.
The ministries for home affairs and social and family development in Singapore said they were collaborating with the Indonesian authorities to get information about the children and their biological families. Courts pending adoption applications would take into account the children’s best interests, they added.
Child rights and anti-trafficking organizations in Indonesia have stated that the children should be returned to their biological parents if it is safe and appropriate.
The case also revealed significant flaws in the documentation system. In the course of the trial, prosecutors were told that the trafficking ring was allegedly responsible for giving false birth certificates and family records, including the birth mothers of members of the trafficking ring.
Authorities now have the challenge of establishing the identities, family relationships, legal status and future welfare of the children involved, without causing further harm to them.
