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View all search resultsTrafficking of 13 women in NTT highlight gaps in state protection
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Stock illustration of human trafficking. (Courtesy of/Shutterstock)
A
human trafficking case involving 13 women from West Java who were allegedly deceived and forced into sex work in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) has again underscored persistent gaps in the state’s protection against the exploitation of women and children.
The victims, aged 18 to 31, sought help from the Flores Humanitarian Volunteer Team (TRUK-F) in early January after reporting abuse, coercion into sex work and debt bondage at a bar in Maumere, Sikka regency.
They had been recruited several years ago, some while still underage, with promises of Rp 8 million (US$476) to 10 million monthly salary, along with free housing, clothing and meals. Instead, they were harassed, charged for rent and food, and barred from leaving the premises.
TRUK-F, in a coalition with Catholic priests, nuns and rights activists, filed a police report on Feb. 3. They also staged a protest at the NTT Legislative Council (DPRD) on Feb. 9, demanding firm legal action against trafficking practices and a crackdown on nightlife businesses exploiting women and children.
“Human trafficking has happened repeatedly in Sikka, and the reason is weak law enforcement, which has resulted in no deterrent effect for perpetrators,” Father Otto Gusti Madung, a local priest representing the coalition, told The Jakarta Post on Thursday.
“We will closely follow this case until the victims receive their rights and the perpetrators are brought to justice,” he said. “The state must not be defeated by entertainment business operators who practice modern-day slavery.”
Read also: Riau couple held for facilitating human trafficking
