Demand for anti-trafficking action in Indonesia after women rescued in Flores

Sr Maria Fransiska Imakulata SSpS said Indonesia has laws intended to prevent trafficking and protect victims, yet implementation remains inconsistent.

Church leaders in Flores, a Catholic-majority island in eastern Indonesia, demanded renewed efforts against human trafficking following the rescue of 13 young women who allegedly suffered exploitation at a nightclub in East Nusa Tenggara Province.

The case sparked widespread concern in the province and street protests have seen priests, religious sisters, seminarians and human rights campaigners call for a thorough investigation and firm legal action concerning alleged abuses at nightclubs.

Church representatives urged authorities to strengthen oversight of entertainment venues and enforce existing anti-trafficking laws more effectively.

The women, aged between 17 and 26, are originally from West Java. They sought protection in January after reportedly enduring physical violence, sexual exploitation, and serious labour abuse.

They received sanctuary at a safe house operated by Tim Relawan untuk Kemanusiaan Flores (TRUK-F), a humanitarian network supported by the Society of the Divine Word and the Holy Spirit Missionary Sisters. At the shelter, the women were supported psychologically and pastorally, while also receiving legal assistance as their case moves through the judicial process.

Sr Maria Fransiska Imakulata SSpS, chairwoman of TRUK-F, said Indonesia has laws intended to prevent trafficking and protect victims, yet implementation remains inconsistent.

“Victims are not always treated with dignity – at times, they are even stigmatised,” she said, pointing to the limited availability of government shelters and insufficient monitoring of workplaces where exploitation may occur.

She had expressed surprise two weeks ago when West Java’s Governor Dedi Mulyadi visited and personally escorted 12 trafficking victims back to their home province.

Sr Imakulata voiced concern that the move could hinder the legal process because police have not yet named a suspect and still require the women’s testimony for further investigation. However, she reported that Mulyadi and his attorney signed a written statement during the meeting committing to facilitate the women’s attendance at police summonses.

The Church in Flores encouraged young people to pursue safe and legal employment pathways. However, according to Indonesia’s National Human Rights Commission, East Nusa Tenggara remains a trafficking hub due to persistent poverty and limited employment opportunities.

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