East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) is one of the poorest provinces in Indonesia. Above that, it’s also the driest place in the nation with only about 132 mm per year (National Statistics Bureau 2023). Yet, it does not stop there, the poverty rate in NTT remains significantly high (19.58%) exceeding the national average, at 15.55%. Therefore, due to lack of resources and multi-layer challenges, most of the people are looking for a better life by becoming migrant workers.
Despite the progress of economic advancement from the migrant workers, significant issues remained. Unfortunately, illegal migrant workers are a persistent issue in NTT, making individuals highly vulnerable to human trafficking and exploitation. Without proper legal documentation or protections, many migrant workers fall victim to traffickers who deceive them with false promises of better opportunities.
Moreover, the victims are mainly women and children, putting them at a greater risk, and often subjected to forced labor and sexual exploitation. For them, making money is the only way to escape from poverty, without realizing the risks involved.
The high poverty rate in NTT creates a cycle of desperation, making people more likely to trust unregulated agents offering jobs abroad. However, lack of awareness and the low education level earned also contribute to the number of victims of human trafficking.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during the period 2020-2024, there were 3,700 victims of human trafficking, with 657 (17.76%) of them originating from NTT. The effects of trafficking are devastating. Victims often endure physical, emotional, and psychological abuse, making them have no access to legal aid, and find it challenging to reintegrate into society after their ordeal.
To address this issue, it is crucial to establish a strong foundation, and education is the key. Education serves as the cornerstone for empowering communities in NTT to break free from cycles of poverty and exploitation. By providing quality education, it will enable them to gain knowledge and skills that open up opportunities beyond dangerous and unregulated migrations.
This includes teaching them to identify trafficking risks and to navigate safer pathways to work opportunities. Furthermore, there are 4 ways to prevent human trafficking in NTT:
- Implement community-based workshops to educate families about the dangers and share individual success stories through education and legal opportunities.
- Develop vocational training and promote local industries to boost the regional economy.
- Rebuild schools in remote areas to provide a safe and supportive learning environment.
- Strengthen legal frameworks, work with government and NGOs to establish safe migration channels.
Can you help them? Sure you can!
- Support initiatives that focus on rebuilding schools, creating learning opportunities, and empowering communities.
- Share information about the signs of human trafficking with your friends to increase awareness
- Donate or volunteer! Every contribution – whether time, resources, or money – goes a long way toward preventing human trafficking and supporting victims.
The fight against human trafficking in NTT is far from over, but together, we can make a difference. By empowering vulnerable communities with education, we can break the cycle of poverty and reduce the risks of exploitation. With your support, we can bring hope and opportunities to those who need them most.
Let’s work hand in hand to create a future where no one falls victim to human trafficking, and every child can dream of a brighter tomorrow.
