Al Jazeera's Step Vaessen gained rare access to a network of smugglers who revealed some of their closely-guarded methods.
These include using secret compartments taking asylum seekers to Australian waters and then issuing distress calls in the hope of being picked up by rescue boats and taken to Australian detention centres.
The Indonesian government says it is looking at laws to curb people-smuggling as none currently exist.
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See also Sydney Irresistible
Putting principles before profits
See also Sydney Irresistible
Putting principles before profits