Minister urges early detection to prevent human trafficking

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3 hours ago

Jakarta (ANTARA) – Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Djamari Chaniago has urged the strengthening of early detection and victim identification as one of the main steps in preventing human trafficking cases.

Chaniago made the statement in his capacity as head of the task force for human trafficking prevention and handling at a meeting here on Tuesday, according to an official statement.

He said National Police data recorded 385 human trafficking cases throughout 2025, while 98 cases were recorded from January to August 19, 2026.

Some human trafficking victims are Indonesian citizens recruited to work in overseas online scam networks, he mentioned.

According to him, the data shows human trafficking methods are becoming increasingly varied, no longer limited to the illegal departure of migrant workers, but also including sexual and child exploitation, recruitment through social media, and online scams that lead to exploitation.

Therefore, he urged the strengthening of early detection from the recruitment stage through workplace placement, including through surveillance of digital channels widely used by trafficking networks to lure potential victims.

“Our main challenge is not only how many cases we manage to prosecute, but also how the state can prevent recruitment, detect victims early, cut off networks and their funding, provide protection, and ensure victims can return and reintegrate socially and economically,” he said.

Chaniago also highlighted the need to improve human trafficking data integration, so the government can obtain an accurate, complete national picture of victims, methods, recruitment locations, departure routes, destination countries, perpetrators, and case-handling progress.

The minister also recommended the establishment of an interoperable national human trafficking database that can be used by relevant ministries and agencies.

“While still paying attention to the protection of personal data and victim confidentiality,” he added.