RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian Ministry of Villages and Development of Disadvantaged Regions (Kemendes PDT) is strengthening economic empowerment in villages to reduce factors that trigger human trafficking (TPPO).

The government is creating jobs and raising community incomes by developing village cooperatives, village‑owned enterprises (BUMDes), tourism villages, and Advanced Fishermen’s Villages (Kampung Nelayan Maju), as well as supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

These initiatives aim to discourage residents from seeking risky employment opportunities abroad that could lead to trafficking.

Secretary‑General of Kemendes PDT Taufik Madjid said the government is pursuing two main strategies: prevention and empowerment. “We have partnered with the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection to establish Women‑Friendly and Child‑Caring Villages. These serve as platforms for education, literacy, and awareness about the dangers of trafficking and violence against women and children,” he said in Jakarta on Thursday, July 30, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

Kemendes PDT also encourages village administrations to identify residents planning to work overseas, particularly in migrant worker hubs, to ensure departures follow legal procedures and regulations. “It must be legal, meet requirements, and be identified by the village government. No residents should seek income abroad through instant or risky means,” Taufik said.

He added that strengthening the village economy is part of implementing President Prabowo Subianto’s Astacita program, which positions villages as centers of development and job creation. With more opportunities and higher incomes, villagers are expected to avoid unsafe migration routes.

“These empowerment programs show that people can move from poverty to prosperity even within villages. Family incomes will rise, and communities will thrive without resorting to risky paths,” Taufik said. ***