Overview of Current Lagislation and Its Supporting Lagislations Concerning Trafficking in Children In Indonesia

Abstract

Child trafficking is alarming in Indonesia. The country is recognized as a country of origin, transit and destination for victims of trafficking in children. Many of Indonesian young girls are trafficked to Southeast Asia, East Asia, the Middle East, as well as trafficked to Australia, North America, and Europe.  Many of the victims are subjected to sexual exploitation and servitude. In addition, domestic trafficking in children is also a major issue within Indonesia. The victims are subject to violations of human right, unsafe working conditions, and sexual abuse. Considering current legislations on criminal act of trafficking in children is not capable of providing a comprehensive and integrated legal basis for the eradication of the crime, the Government of Indonesia enacted the current legislation: i.e., Law No. 21 of 2007. Today, every person involved in trafficking in persons shall be punishable by a prison sentence of a minimum period of 3 (three) years and a maximum of 15 (fifteen) years and a fine amounting to a minimum of IDR 120 million and a maximum of IDR 600 million. The current legislation recently has been equipped with its implementing regulation, namely Government Regulation No. 9 of 2008 and Presidential Regulation No. 69 of 2008.

Keywords: trafficking in children, current legislation, supporting legislation