'East Java child trafficking alarming'<\/p>\n
ID Nugroho, Surabaya<\/p>\n
Child trafficking and violence against children remain a cause
\nfor concern in East Java, particularly in Surabaya and Malang,
\nthe two biggest cities in the province.<\/p>\n
According to data released by the East Java chapter of the
\nIndonesian Women's Coalition, seven children were the victims of
\ndomestic violence in 2001 and 2002 in Surabaya. Five children
\nwere abandoned by their parents and a further five were forced
\ninto early marriage in the same period.<\/p>\n
The number of cases of domestic violence against children was
\nhigher in Malang. In 2001 and 2002, 32 children were victims of
\ndomestic violence and 18 others were forced into early marriage.<\/p>\n
It is common among rural communities for parents to coerce
\ntheir children into early marriage. These parents hope, through
\nthe match, the whole family will be financially supported.<\/p>\n
The number of child victims of trafficking or domestic
\nviolence could be much higher, as many such cases are not
\nreported.<\/p>\n
Bagong Suyanto, a sociologist from Airlangga University in
\nSurabaya, said Indonesia was among 22 countries in the world
\nwhere women and child traffickers continued to operate.<\/p>\n
\"In East Java, child and women trafficking is a problem in
\nSurabaya, Banyuwangi, Malang, Trenggalek, Tulungagung and
\nBlitar,\" said Bagong recently.
\n Two years ago in Surabaya, it was reported that five girls
\nunder the age of 18 were sold to pimps at the Dolly brothel.
\nCustomers allegedly paid Rp 1 million each to deflower a girl.<\/p>\n
Tatiek Faricha, a member of the East Java chapter of the
\nIndonesia Women's Coalition said such a practice was difficult to
\nstop.<\/p>\n
\"There are still many parents who would use their daughters to
\nsolve the family's financial problems,\" she said.<\/p>\n
Didiet Hape, the founder of Alang-Alang Foundation, which is
\nconcerned with the welfare of street children, confirmed the
\nprevalence of the practice.<\/p>\n
\"Many families abuse their daughters as they have no other way
\nof generating money,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Ummu Hilmy from the University of Brawijaya's Center for Law
\nDevelopment and Gender in Malang, said orchestrated efforts were
\nneeded to combat child trafficking.<\/p>\n
\"The law on child protection has come into effect, but in
\npractice, the government has to take concrete steps that deter
\nchild traffickers,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Bagong concluded poverty was the root cause of most crimes
\nagainst children. He said law enforcement would not be effective
\nif social problems were not first addressed.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/east-java-child-trafficking-alarming-1447893297",
"image": ""
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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