RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Directorate General of Immigration is intensifying efforts to prevent human trafficking (TPPO) by establishing 1,172 Immigration Fostered Villages across Indonesia. The program serves as a frontline initiative to educate the public and prevent residents from falling victim to trafficking schemes.

Director General of Immigration, Hendarsam Marantoko, stressed that prevention is the most crucial step in tackling human trafficking. He said Immigration Fostered Villages provide the foundation for raising awareness of trafficking dangers and illegal recruitment practices.

“In addressing human trafficking, prevention is paramount. We at the Directorate General of Immigration already have 1,172 fostered villages that serve as the foundation for prevention,” Hendarsam said after the National Anti-Human Trafficking Network (JarNas APO) meeting in Jakarta on Monday, July 27, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

Through the program, Immigration has deployed 520 Village Guidance Officers (Pimpasa) to conduct outreach and engage with communities and local leaders. Pimpasa also act as liaisons for residents to submit complaints, reports, and seek initial consultations on immigration issues at the village level -- a role expected to help detect trafficking practices early.

Preventive measures are also applied during passport applications. Hendarsam explained that immigration officers are trained to identify the purpose of travel abroad, distinguishing between tourism, formal employment, and potential trafficking.

“When applying for a passport, we can determine if someone is traveling for tourism, working legally, or if they are a potential victim of human trafficking,” he said.

From January to July 2026, Immigration postponed the departure of nearly 500 Indonesian citizens suspected of traveling as undocumented migrant workers or being trafficking victims.

Countries of concern in trafficking risk mapping include Cambodia, where online fraud operators often exploit workers, as well as Malaysia and several others. Immigration applies a profiling system for travel applications to destinations considered highly vulnerable to trafficking.

Hendarsam emphasized that stricter oversight in passport issuance reflects Immigration’s commitment to public protection. While some procedures may feel rigid, he said they are necessary to ensure citizens travel abroad safely, legally, and for their intended purposes.

“In addition to providing services, we also have a responsibility to enforce the law. Therefore, we must ensure that people traveling abroad truly follow the correct procedures as part of our efforts to prevent human trafficking,” Hendarsam said. ***