Victims of Human Trafficking Released

Saturday, 31 January, 2009 | 10:06 WIB 

TEMPO Interactive, Indramayu:Five women from Indramayu, West Java, who were victims of human trafficking, have been released by the police, reported Indramayu Police chief, Commissioner Mashudi yesterday. 

The women, forced to work as sex workers in Jambi, are Su (19), Ri (20), Ri (18), Sa (17), and Da (27). They all came from Haurgeulis sub-district, in Indramayu regency. 

Da was forced to work as a sex worker at Putra Mujang red district, Jami, while the other four were brought to the Putri Ayu Jambi. Their release, Mashudi said, was the result of collaboration between their families and the Jambi Police. The women were evidence of trans-provincial trafficking. The ringleader has not been arrested. “We are still investigating and trying to nab the person,” Mashudi said.

After they were picked up in Jambi, the five women were sent home to Indramayu. The families were in tears because they never thought they would see their daughters again. 

Su, one of the victims, said their plight began four months ago. “An acquaintance offered me a high-paying job in Jambi,” said Su, who immediately took the offer without even knowing what kind of job it was. “I just wanted to help my family,” she said. Instead, Su was sent to work at Putri Ayu Jambi as a sex provider. “I couldn’t escape because there were many guards,” Su said. 

Slamet, Su’s parent, along with the parents of the other victims were worried because they had never heard from their daughters since they left. When they found out their daughters were forced into prostitution, the parents immediately reported it to the Indramayu Police. “I just want my daughter back,” Slamet said. 

IVANSYAH