The rejection of all preliminary objections (exceptions) submitted by the defense counsel of the defendants in the alleged Human Trafficking (TPPO) case involving the fishing vessel KM Awindo 2A marks the beginning of the evidentiary phase of the trial. This interlocutory ruling represents an important moment to shed light on the network of perpetrators and to ensure legal accountability for the alleged exploitation of prospective fishing vessel crew members.
maritimeposts.com/ – Denpasar, March 9, 2026 — The alleged Human Trafficking (TPPO) case involving KM Awindo 2A has now entered a new phase.
On February 24, 2026, the defendants’ legal counsels submitted preliminary objections (exceptions), which were followed by the reading of the interlocutory ruling on March 5, 2026.
During the session in which the interlocutory ruling was read at the Cakra Courtroom of the Denpasar District Court, Presiding Judge Ni Kadek Kusuma Wardani declared that the panel of judges rejected all exceptions filed by the defense counsel in the alleged TPPO case involving KM Awindo 2A.
The rejection applies to three related cases: I Putu Setyawan, a former member of the Directorate of Water and Air Police (Polairud) of the Bali Regional Police, registered under case number 171/Pid.Sus/2026/PN Dps; Titin Sumartini and Refdiyanto alias Refdi, who acted as labor recruiters, as well as Jaja Sucharja as the ship captain under case number 172/Pid.Sus/2026/PN Dps; and Iwan, Director of PT Awindo International, under case number 173/Pid.Sus/2026/PN Dps.
One of the responses from the Public Prosecutor (JPU) to the defense counsel’s exception—claiming that the case constitutes a labor dispute rather than human trafficking—was taken into consideration by the panel of judges.
The prosecutor also stated that the entire set of exceptions raised by the defense did not constitute proper preliminary objections, as they had already entered the substance of the case.
“Because the reasons presented by the defense counsel concern factual matters that will be examined during the main trial, the appropriate response is to prove them in the upcoming evidentiary proceedings,” said Eddy Arta Wijaya, the Public Prosecutor.
The alleged TPPO case involving KM Awindo 2A involves 21 prospective Fishing Vessel Crew Members (AKP) who are considered victims of the alleged human trafficking crime. These prospective crew members had previously reported the suspected trafficking network on August 23, 2025.
In this case, the victims allegedly experienced both physical and psychological exploitation, including the confiscation of communication devices and personal identification, and being forced to work under uncertain hours without a valid employment contract.
They were also threatened with debt bondage if they refused the offered work, and were reportedly detained on board the vessel without being provided adequate food and drinking water.
The presiding judge also reiterated that in the chronology outlined in the indictment under case number 171/Pid.Sus/2026/PN Dps, Melyanus Alex played a role in cooperating with Titin Sumartini in recruitment, financing, transportation, transfer, and sheltering of the victims.
Alex remains at large and is currently being sought by the Bali Regional Police (Polda Bali). He has also been placed on the police wanted list (DPO).
The rejection of the previously submitted exceptions marks the beginning of a new phase in the trial—the evidentiary hearings. These hearings are scheduled to begin on March 12, with approximately 25 witnesses summoned by the Public Prosecutor to testify. This stage may reveal new facts related to the case.
Siti Wahyatun, a member of the Advocacy Team from TANGKAP, expressed hope that the next stages of the hearings would uncover not only the field actors but also the intellectual actors behind the case.
“With the rejection of the three exceptions submitted by the defendants’ legal counsel in these indictments, we hope the upcoming hearings, which have now entered the substantive phase of the case, will reveal the human trafficking network involved. Therefore, both material and criminal responsibility must be imposed on the perpetrators. Moving forward, the state must also be present to provide comprehensive protection for our fisheries workers who are vulnerable to exploitation at sea,” Siti said.
The first evidentiary hearing is scheduled for March 12, 2026, with victim witnesses from the prospective Fishing Vessel Crew Members (AKP) of KM Awindo 2A expected to testify.
The presence of the victims in court represents a crucial stage in the evidentiary process, as their testimonies constitute the primary source of facts explaining the chain of events in the alleged human trafficking crime in this case.
I Gede Andi Winaba, also from the TANGKAP Advocacy Team, stated that all victims in this case belong to vulnerable groups and are in an unequal position compared to the defendants.
The victims do not possess the power, access, or resources held by the parties who have now been formally named as defendants.
“When the victims are presented to testify as factual witnesses, there is potential for pressure or intimidation, either directly or indirectly, considering that their testimonies form the initial basis that reveals the sequence of events and also contributed to the designation of the currently detained parties as defendants. Therefore, TANGKAP considers it essential to continue providing assistance and monitoring throughout every stage of the trial to ensure that the victims can testify freely, without pressure, and in accordance with the facts they experienced. This is crucial so that the examination of the case can proceed objectively, fairly, and with a victim-centered approach in this alleged human trafficking case,” he said.
Based on these facts, TANGKAP urges:
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The panel of judges at the Denpasar District Court to examine and decide this case independently, objectively, and from a victim-centered perspective to ensure justice for the victims of human trafficking.
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The Public Prosecutor to fully uncover all facts during the trial, including the roles of each party involved in the recruitment and exploitation network of prospective fishing vessel crew members.
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The Bali Regional Police to immediately arrest Melyanus Alex, who has been placed on the wanted list (DPO), so that the law enforcement process can proceed comprehensively.
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The government and law enforcement authorities to strengthen oversight of recruitment and placement practices of fisheries workers in order to prevent the recurrence of human trafficking in the fisheries sector.
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The state to guarantee comprehensive recovery and protection for the victims, including restoration of their rights and assurances that exploitation practices against fisheries workers will not recur.
Media Contact:
Advocacy Team for the Protection of Fisheries Workers (TANGKAP)
Contact Person: +62 822 3694 4930