Treating Indonesian Human Trafficking Victims Humanely: A Call for Malaysia

NGOCSTIP – Treating Indonesian Human Trafficking Victims Humanely has become a call from various authorities. The Chairman of the Regional Representative Council of the Republic of Indonesia (DPD RI), AA LaNyalla Mahmud Mattalitti, urged the Malaysian government to show compassion and humanity in dealing with Indonesian trafficking victims. LaNyalla emphasized that these victims should not be treated as criminals but as victims of exploitation.

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LaNyalla’s Plea to Malaysia

LaNyalla called for the Malaysian government to understand the plight of Indonesian trafficking victims and treat them with dignity. He clarified that many of these individuals received deceptive promises of employment or opportunities to work abroad, only to fall prey to human trafficking networks. He stressed, “In principle, they are victims, not criminals. These individuals received promises of jobs, but they ended up as victims of human trafficking. The Malaysian government must recognize this and treat them humanely. Authorities must ensure no abuse occurs, as they are victims of deception.”

The Indonesian senator from East Java also highlighted the importance of investigating these cases and uncovering the human trafficking syndicates responsible. Furthermore, he stressed that this issue goes beyond simply sending home illegal migrant workers. In fact, it is about uncovering the human trafficking syndicates operating across borders. Therefore, LaNyalla emphasized that the investigation must focus on the larger criminal network behind these operations. Additionally, he urged authorities to take swift action to dismantle these syndicates and prevent further exploitation of vulnerable workers.

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The Role of Indonesian Authorities

LaNyalla also urged Indonesia’s Ministry of Manpower to conduct thorough checks and evaluations of migrant worker dispatch operations. He emphasized that human trafficking is a serious violation of human rights and it is crucial to understand that these activities might involve organized international trafficking networks.

“The issue must not end with the return of illegal Indonesian migrant workers. The government must continue to investigate the human trafficking mafia behind these operations,” said LaNyalla. His comments shed light on the need for a more comprehensive approach to addressing this severe problem.

A Case of 193 Indonesian Migrants

The Indonesian Migrant Worker Protection Agency (BP2MI) helped return 193 Indonesian migrant workers from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The agency repatriated 66 women and 127 men on August 4, 2022, from Soekarno-Hatta Airport.

The workers returned in fragile conditions. Among them, 28 were sick, 30 were mothers with children, 14 were elderly, and one was an unaccompanied child. LaNyalla pointed out the alarming vulnerabilities of these individuals, stressing that such cases should be taken seriously.

The Vulnerability of Indonesian Migrant Workers

LaNyalla acknowledged the gravity of the situation and noted that 193 Indonesian nationals is a significant number. He emphasized that these workers were stuck in foreign countries, facing threats, legal issues, and dangers while trying to return home. Moreover, LaNyalla further emphasized that the Immigration Office should urgently investigate the cases. In addition, he called for the swift return of Indonesians who were still hiding in these foreign lands. Consequently, immediate action is needed to address the ongoing issues these workers are facing.

He called on Indonesian authorities to take a more active role in ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens abroad. Treating Indonesian human trafficking victims with the urgency they deserve is crucial. The need for action to protect these vulnerable workers is undeniable.