'East Java child trafficking alarming'

ID Nugroho, Surabaya

Child trafficking and violence against children remain a cause for concern in East Java, particularly in Surabaya and Malang, the two biggest cities in the province.

According to data released by the East Java chapter of the Indonesian Women's Coalition, seven children were the victims of domestic violence in 2001 and 2002 in Surabaya. Five children were abandoned by their parents and a further five were forced into early marriage in the same period.

The number of cases of domestic violence against children was higher in Malang. In 2001 and 2002, 32 children were victims of domestic violence and 18 others were forced into early marriage.

It is common among rural communities for parents to coerce their children into early marriage. These parents hope, through the match, the whole family will be financially supported.

The number of child victims of trafficking or domestic violence could be much higher, as many such cases are not reported.

Bagong Suyanto, a sociologist from Airlangga University in Surabaya, said Indonesia was among 22 countries in the world where women and child traffickers continued to operate.

"In East Java, child and women trafficking is a problem in Surabaya, Banyuwangi, Malang, Trenggalek, Tulungagung and Blitar," said Bagong recently. Two years ago in Surabaya, it was reported that five girls under the age of 18 were sold to pimps at the Dolly brothel. Customers allegedly paid Rp 1 million each to deflower a girl.

Tatiek Faricha, a member of the East Java chapter of the Indonesia Women's Coalition said such a practice was difficult to stop.

"There are still many parents who would use their daughters to solve the family's financial problems," she said.

Didiet Hape, the founder of Alang-Alang Foundation, which is concerned with the welfare of street children, confirmed the prevalence of the practice.

"Many families abuse their daughters as they have no other way of generating money," he said.

Ummu Hilmy from the University of Brawijaya's Center for Law Development and Gender in Malang, said orchestrated efforts were needed to combat child trafficking.

"The law on child protection has come into effect, but in practice, the government has to take concrete steps that deter child traffickers," he said.

Bagong concluded poverty was the root cause of most crimes against children. He said law enforcement would not be effective if social problems were not first addressed.