Cases of Child Exploitation and Trafficking Show a Resurgence Through April 2021

Cases of child exploitation and trafficking in Indonesia showed a downward trend from 2017 to 2020. However, the numbers rose again in 2021.

According to data from the Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI), there were 340 cases of child exploitation and trafficking in 2016. This number increased to 347 cases in 2017, then decreased to 149 cases in 2020.

However, cases of child exploitation and trafficking increased again this year. Up to April 2021, there were already 234 cases of child exploitation and trafficking in the country.

Of these, 217 cases were related to prostitution, 14 cases were exploitation, and three cases were child trafficking.

Based on this, the KPAI has urged parents to be cautious and vigilant against various forms of child exploitation and trafficking. Perpetrators of child trafficking often use job offers, gifts, or scholarships as a modus operandi.

The KPAI also called on all parties to conduct education to prevent cases of child exploitation and trafficking. This education can be carried out by parents, teachers, principals, religious leaders, and so on.