15 January 2025

Youth Campaign Against Human Trafficking in Indonesia

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On December 10, 2024, an impactful campaign took place at the Citra Bangsa University Hall on the Indonesian island of Timor. Supported by Mensen met een Missie, the Youth Task Force Against Human Trafficking brought together more than eighty young people from across Indonesia to gain knowledge, inspire each other, and take action against human trafficking. Discussions emphasized a harsh reality: human trafficking remains a significant problem that destroys lives.

An urgent problem with devastating consequences

Every year, thousands of Indonesians fall victim to human trafficking. Young people and women are particularly vulnerable, lured abroad with false promises of well-paying jobs. Instead, they find themselves trapped in situations of exploitation and violence. Often, their documents are falsified, leaving them entirely dependent on their traffickers. In the past four years alone, over 2,000 Indonesian migrant workers have died due to abuse and inhumane conditions.

Eka Munfarida Irfiani (middle) with women from her village

Among the root causes of this issue are poverty and limited job opportunities. “Many young women from my village went abroad thinking it was their only chance for a better life,” says Eka Munfarida Irfiani, coordinator of the Youth Task Force. Jeny Laamo (26), a member of the Task Force, remembers meeting the mother of a 14-year-old girl sent to Malaysia to earn money for her family. “For two years, she was missing. When she finally returned, it was in an ambulance, physically and mentally broken. It was heartbreaking to see such a young life destroyed.”

Social media’s role

In remote villages, traffickers still go door to door, but technology has made the problem more complex. Traffickers now use social media and online platforms to target young people, tricking them with fake ads, bogus jobs, and dating apps.

To combat this, the Zero Human Trafficking Network founded the Youth Task Force in 2020. This network of young Indonesians raises awareness in ways that resonate with youth. Through campaigns on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, they educate peers about the dangers of labor migration and teach them how to recognize illegal recruiters. They also organize workshops and training in local communities and schools about gender inequality, harmful norms, and the impact of poverty.

Jeny signs a petition with participants of the campaign against human trafficking in Indonesia
Jeny signs a petition with participants of the campaign against human trafficking on December 10th

Youth against human trafficking in Indonesia

The Youth Task Force is determined to make a difference. During the December 10 campaign, young participants were challenged to think about their role in the fight against human trafficking. Inspiring activities included a talk show with local experts, theater performances, poetry workshops, and an exhibition of products made by trafficking survivors. “We don’t just want to inform; we want to act,” says Randi Nikanor Niuflapu, one of the active members. “It’s about creating a culture where human trafficking has no chance.”

Randi during the campaign against human trafficking in Indonesia
Randi talks with participants of the campaign

Concrete results and hope for the future

The campaign led to concrete steps towards a better future: about 70 participants pledged to raise awareness in their own communities, and 24 youth groups were formed to plan further campaigns in 2025. Additionally, the Indonesian Migrant Workers Protection Service joined forces with the Youth Task Force to combat human trafficking together.

The campaign and its resulting action points mark a significant step in the efforts of the Zero Human Trafficking Network and the Youth Task Force. Human trafficking is not just a statistic; it tears apart people, families, and communities. The stories of survivors, as well as the determination of youth like Jeny and Randi, call us to action. Mensen met een Missie continues to support them with resources, training, and a platform to amplify their voices.

The Youth Task Force Against Human Trafficking during the event on December 10th