Investigation Uncovers Exploitation of Indonesian Students in Germany through ‘Ferienjob’ Program
A police investigation has revealed that 1,047 Indonesian students were exploited as manual laborers in Germany under a program labeled ‘ferienjob,’ originally intended as internships. Following reports of these violations from the Indonesian Embassy, significant actions have been taken by the universities involved to terminate their participation in the program, ensuring the safe return of the affected students while revealing serious accountability issues associated with the internship placements.
An alarming police investigation by the Indonesian National Police has uncovered that approximately 1,047 Indonesian students were subject to exploitation under the guise of internships, referred to as ‘ferienjob,’ while in Germany. These students, primarily studying subjects such as electrical engineering, found themselves employed in strenuous manual labor, performing tasks typical of laborers rather than engaging in their intended educational experiences. Brigadier General Djuhandhani Rahardjo Puro, head of the General Crime division in the Indonesian National Police, revealed during a press conference that complaints were initially brought to light by the Indonesian Embassy in Germany. These complaints focused on four students who sought assistance while participating in the ‘ferienjob’ program. Such employment opportunities are designed for students to gain practical experience during academic breaks but have resulted, in this case, in human trafficking for labor. The investigation uncovered that 33 universities in Indonesia were implicated, sending students through three labor agencies in Germany. Among those identified as significantly involved in these exploitation activities was a director of a human resources agency who had a pivotal role in formalizing agreements with Indonesian educational institutions, misleadingly facilitating these arrangements. Consequently, the State University of Jakarta has terminated its involvement with the program, leading to the repatriation of 93 students. Similarly, Atma Jaya Catholic University ceased its participation in February 2024 after conducting an internal evaluation which criticized the ‘ferienjob’ program for its inadequate educational benefits and severe discrepancies in job placements, financial management, and health safety protocols. The university confirmed that all participating students returned home safely. The overarching investigation has raised significant concerns regarding the ethicality and management of internships under the ‘ferienjob’ banner, prompting Indonesia’s educational institutions to reconsider their roles in such programs and the implications for students’ safety and well-being.
The ‘ferienjob’ program aims to provide students with temporary employment during their academic holidays. Unfortunately, the exploitation of students as laborers instead of providing them meaningful internships has emerged as a significant issue. Indonesian police and diplomatic authorities have taken steps to address allegations of human trafficking underpinning this exploitative structure, indicating systemic failures in student protections and oversight.
The investigation into the ‘ferienjob’ program highlights critical issues surrounding the treatment of Indonesian students in foreign labor markets, specifically in Germany. With over a thousand students reportedly exploited, this situation underscores the urgent need for reforms in the monitoring and management of international internship programs to ensure the safety and educational integrity of participants.
Original Source: jakartaglobe.id
