Women and Children Trafficking in West Java Causing More Concern
Monday, 07 April, 2008 | 19:05 WIB

TEMPO Interactive, Bandung: Several cities and regencies in West Java have become places for dispatch and transit of women and children trafficking.

“This is very bad,” said Ellin Rozana, director of the Women’a Institute in Bandung, Monday (07/04).

According to Ellin, the official report from coordinating ministry for People's Welfare mentioned Sukabumi, Tangerang, Bekasi, Indramayu, Bandung, Karawang, Cianjur, and Kuningan as some of cities as dispatch areas.

“Bandung and Losari in Cirebon are also identified as transit areas,” she said.

Some 43.5 percent of the victims are as young as 14 years old.

“But mostly, the trafficking of children involved for those who are 17 years old,” said Ellin.

According to her, several factors worsen the situation, including poverty, employment issues, limited access to education, as well as social and cultural aspects.

“Discriminative practices such as early marriage for women and women not needing higher education are also reasons for human trafficking,” said Ellin.

Head of Public Research and Education division from the institute of Children Rights Advocacy, Andi Akbar, said that they have advocated three children as the victims of human trafficking in 2007.

“But not even one case could be sent to the attorney's office,” said Andi.

Ellin and Andi said they expected the new West Java Governor to be serious about handling this issue.

“Regional regulation for women and children trafficking should be immediately approved,” said Ellin.

Rana Akbari Fitriawan