Police in Indonesia have arrested a man accused of selling his 11-month-old baby to support his online gambling addiction.

The father, identified as RA, sold the baby on Facebook without his wife’s knowledge for 15 million Indonesian N693,500 (Rupiah £730), according to local authorities.

The child’s mother discovered the shocking incident upon returning to their home in Tangerang, West Jakarta, and finding her baby missing.

“She pressed RA to share the whereabouts of their child until he eventually confessed that he had sold the newborn,” said Tangerang City Metro Police Chief Zain Dwi Nugroho, Mail Online reports.

Following the confession, RA’s wife reported the case to the police. After interrogation, RA admitted to selling the baby to reduce his debts, but he ultimately used the money for gambling.
Two buyers, HK and MO, were also arrested for their involvement in the sale. Authorities suspect they are part of a human trafficking network, which carries severe penalties in Indonesia, including up to 15 years in prison and a 600 million (rupiah £29,300) fine.

Indonesian Child Protection Commission chief Ai Maryati condemned the act, stating, “It is worrying that [RA] is using his financial situation to engage in activities that are being eradicated by the state, and with children being sold, he is also violating basic human rights.”

This case follows the recent uncovering of a baby trafficking ring in Depok, south of Jakarta.

Police arrested eight people connected to an online child trade scheme, where babies were being sold for up to N703,000 (15 million rupiah) (£740).

Officials continue to investigate the larger trafficking networks involved, as the Asia Pacific region remains a significant source of trafficking victims globally, particularly from south and southeast Asia.