On Tuesday. An Indonesian court convicted 19 individuals for baby trafficking, concluding a high-profile case that involved at least 34 infants sold for adoption, and most of the children were destined for Singapore, with at least 12 being sent there. The verdict has raised questions about what will happen to these children now.

Adoptive Parents in Limbo

Adoptive parents in Singapore who are caring for the children have been anxious for months, waiting for clarity on whether they can keep their adopted children. David, a Singaporean parent who wished to remain anonymous, expressed his concerns to the BBC after the verdict, he hopes the governments can make a decision soon based on the best interests of the children.

David said he and his wife Ally had no knowledge that the child they adopted could have been trafficked — they had done their due diligence and submitted to numerous checks during the adoption process, which should have detected the trafficking.

Government Responses and Legal Challenges

Neither Indonesian nor Singaporean authorities gave definitive answers to the BBC about their plans for the children — Indonesia’s foreign affairs ministry stated that several aspects need further examination, including the children’s legal status and the identities of their biological parents. They reiterated their commitment to prioritizing the children’s best interests.

Lawyers in Singapore have noted that annulling the adoptions would be complicated, as adoption orders in Singapore are generally considered final. Factors such as the psychological impact on the children, the duration of their stay in Singapore, and their potential living conditions in Indonesia would be considered by the court.

Uncertain Futures and Protection for Children

Indonesian anti-trafficking and child rights groups argue that the children should be returned to their biological parents. Ai Maryanti. A commissioner with Indonesia’s independent child protection commission, emphasized the need to consider the children’s best interests and the legal basis for their adoptions.

Child psychologists have warned that separating young children from their caregivers could have lifelong effects on their mental health, as In addition, some children may have no one to return to if their biological parents are not identified, leading to potential placement in state care.

Ni Made Martini Puteri. A criminologist at the University of Indonesia, highlighted the challenges of identifying all the children’s birth parents. She suggested that if a child has only known life in Singapore since infancy, it may make more sense for them to remain there with their adoptive parents. However, if biological parents are later identified, the child should have the right to know who they are.

With the verdict, Puteri argued that Singapore should treat these children as trafficking victims and extend protection to them, she also mentioned that protection should extend to the adoptive parents, who may have had no knowledge of the trafficking.

David and his wife hope to live a normal family life, raising their son in a safe, stable, and loving home; they hope the matter can be resolved so their son can move forward with certainty and security.