Alleged Baby Trafficking Syndicate in Indonesia

1. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) are aware of the allegations concerning babies being trafficked from Indonesia into Singapore for adoption, by a syndicate in Indonesia. The Singapore Government is working closely with our Indonesian counterparts to review these allegations.

2. Following an earlier request in September 2025 from the Indonesia National Police (INP), the Singapore Police Force (SPF) and MSF have been in contact with the INP and the Indonesian Ministry of Social Affairs to ask them to share their investigation findings and verify the circumstances surrounding the affected children who had been brought into Singapore for adoption. SPF has also been rendering assistance to its Indonesian counterparts for their investigations.

3. These investigations are important. Child trafficking is a serious matter as it exploits young children’s vulnerabilities, violates their rights and separates them from their biological families for others’ personal gain or criminal activities. It also affects the children’s long-term well-being and development.

4. MSF and ICA have been engaging the affected adoptive parents to explain the situation to them. As a result of the ongoing investigations, there have been some delays in the processing of citizenship applications for the children. We are keenly aware of the anxiety that this situation has caused to the adoptive parents, and are working closely across the relevant authorities to ensure that the cases are dealt with as expeditiously as we can, and to safeguard the welfare and interests of the children.

5. Families who require financial support in the interim period can approach a Social Service Office for assistance. MHA and MSF will continue to provide support to the affected families.

Ministry of Home Affairs
Ministry of Social and Family Development