THEY come by the thousands, from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Iran. Some enter Indonesia legally, mostly by air, landing at the country’s international airports. Quite a few sneak in from Malaysia, through small ports at the edge of Batam Island, or across border posts in Kalimantan. They all aim at one final destination: Australia. Some succeed, but many are shipwrecked on the last leg of their journey to seek refuge or a better life. Little is known, much less reported, on syndicates that exploit the desperate attempts of today’s boat people. Tempo follows the trail of people smugglers from beyond South Asia to the shores of Indonesia.