RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (PPPA) Ministry is overseeing the repatriation of 13 women who are suspected victims of human trafficking (TPPO). The escort mission spans from Sikka Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), back to West Java.

Assistant Deputy for Services for Women Victims of Violence at PPPA Ministry, Ratna Oeni Cholifah confirmed, the operation in a statement in Jakarta on Thursday, February 26, 2026. The victims were repatriated via Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Banten to receive further assistance.

She noted that the ministry collaborated with the West Java Regional Technical Service Unit for the Protection of Women and Children (UPTD PPA) during the reception and assistance process. They also worked alongside the West Java Police Directorate for the Protection of Women and Children and the Eradication of Human Trafficking (PPA PPO) to support the victims.

“We are also providing specific aid in the form of basic necessities for the victims at Soekarno-Hatta Airport,” remarked Ratna.

The 13 victims are residents of various regions across West Java. Upon arrival in Banten, they received immediate basic aid and initial counseling before being moved to a safe house. Ratna emphasized that this case serves as a grim reminder that human trafficking remains a serious threat, particularly to vulnerable groups driven by socio-economic factors.

“Human trafficking is a grave crime that violates human rights and strips victims of their dignity, safety, and right to a decent future,” she remarked.

The Ministry urges law enforcement to act decisively, professionally, and transparently in investigating the case to prevent future occurrences. Ratna stressed that the handling of such cases must be comprehensive and victim-centric.

This approach includes physical and psychological recovery, legal aid, and the long-term fulfillment of victims' rights.

The survivors will be housed at a facility managed by the West Java UPTD PPA. There, they will undergo assessments to identify specific needs, including healthcare, psychosocial support, and legal representation, as part of their social reintegration and recovery program.

“We will continue to strengthen cross-sector coordination and encourage local administration to bolster prevention efforts and service capacity for those vulnerable to trafficking,” added Ratna.

A distressed WhatsApp message served as the catalyst for the rescue of the 13 women held in Maumere, Sikka Regency. The message was received on January 20, 2026, by Sister Ika, a nun and head of the Volunteers for Humanity Team Flores (TRUK-F), which was the first organization to mobilize on the ground.

In the message, one victim pleaded for help, citing severe depression and intimidation. She reported being barred from leaving the room where she was forced to work at a local nightlife venue.

Head of the West Java Women’s Empowerment, Child Protection, and Family Planning Agency (DP3AKB), Siska Gerfianti, explained that the report was immediately followed up.

“On January 21, 2026, Sister Ika and the TRUK-F team coordinated with the Sikka Police PPA Unit to initiate the rescue,” said Siska on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.

The 13 women reportedly suffered physical violence, sexual harassment, and intimidation, while being forced to work in violation of their initial agreements.

A victim from Cipatat, West Bandung, revealed how she was lured into the trafficking ring. The deception began in October 2023 with the promise of a large cash advance and a high-paying job as a "Ladies Companion" (LC) at a karaoke bar in Maumere.

Dewi Andani, Head of the Integrated Labor Protection Service Center (P3TKT) at the West Bandung Manpower and Transmigration Agency, detailed the recruitment. The perpetrator offered a monthly salary ranging from IDR 8 million (USD 476.96) to IDR 10 million (USD 596.20). However, the victim was first asked to send IDR 2 million (USD 119.24) for transport costs.

Upon arriving in Maumere on October 2, 2023, the victim was forced to sign a work contract and a parental consent form. Under the lure of a cash advance, she borrowed an additional IDR 5 million (USD 298.10) to send to her family.

The five-month contract began on October 7, 2023, but her earnings were systematically drained by several arbitrary fees. These costs included room rent of 17.89 USD, a birthday fee of 10.14 USD, and a monthly excursion fee of 5.96 USD.

Furthermore, the venue imposed exorbitant fines, which are IDR 2.5 million (USD 149.05) for arguing, IDR 5 million for physical altercations, and IDR 500,000 (USD 29.81) for smoking in a room. These fines were added to her "debt," creating a cycle of forced labor.

The case gained public attention after a video surfaced showing physical and verbal threats at the venue. The victims, hailing from Bandung, West Bandung, Indramayu, and Cianjur, are now safely undergoing the final stages of their journey home. (Annaila Azzahra/Bambang MBKA)