'East Java child trafficking alarming'

'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.