<![CDATA[The unlawful placement of Indonesian migrant workers requires a distinction between prohibited conduct, participation, and individual culpability. This article examines the governing legal framework, the maritime placement arrangement, and sentencing in Batam District Court Decision Number 418/Pid.Sus/2022/PN Btm. It uses doctrinal legal research with statutory, case, and conceptual approaches, addressing Articles 69 and 81 of Law Number 18 of 2017, participation under the former Criminal Code, and the evidentiary rules applicable to the 2022 proceedings. The case concerns Rico Saputra, associated with coordinating and operating the vessel, and Rostam, associated with assisting as a crew member. Each received three years of imprisonment and a fine of IDR 100 million. The article argues that liability must rest on each defendant's contribution and culpability. Equal sentences are not inherently disproportionate, but their justification requires an assessment of the respective roles and relevant aggravating and mitigating circumstances. An operator's title does not establish greater culpability, and crew status does not automatically warrant a lighter sentence. Enforcement should preserve migrant workers' rights and access to appropriate assistance, including for workers travelling through irregular channels.]]>
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