Jakarta, April 20 -- Indonesia has detained three Pakistani nationals accused of using the country as a transit hub for human smuggling to Australia, authorities said, underscoring a crackdown on transnational migration networks.

The three suspects, identified as SA, MS and MWK, are being prosecuted under Article 120(1) of the 2011 Immigration Law in conjunction with Article 457 of the 2023 Criminal Code.

The charges carry a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a fine of up to Rp1.5 billion (about US$84,000).

"The three are suspected of organizing the illegal departure of a number of foreign nationals to Australia via sea routes in eastern Indonesia," Immigration Director General Hendarsam Marantoko said on Monday.

He said the gr...