Immigration: Human Trafficking Cases Drop 65% but Vulnerability Remains High
JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Director General of Immigration Hendarsam Marantoko revealed that human trafficking cases have decreased by 65.92% from 2023 to 2025, yet vulnerability remains high.
“Overall, cross-border human trafficking cases recorded a significant drop of 65.92% between 2023 and 2025. However, this reduction does not mean the threat has vanished, as data shows vulnerability remains high, particularly in migrant worker hotspots,” Hendarsam said at the DPR building in Senayan, Jakarta, on Monday (25 May 2026).
At the district level, the highest number of human trafficking cases occurred in Indramayu, Cilacap, and East Lombok.
“To mitigate risks, this year we have developed and implemented an action plan to prevent human trafficking. The strategy involves mapping high-risk villages followed by legal immigration education and awareness campaigns,” he explained.
Hendarsam added that the immigration department has established a systematic prevention ecosystem, starting from pre-passport application, the application process, departure at immigration checkpoints, passport applications abroad, and when Indonesian citizens return home.
Furthermore, leveraging technology, Hendarsam stated that immigration authorities prevented 7,414 irregular Indonesian migrant worker departures in 2025.
Additionally, passport rejections for suspected irregular cases fell by 63.97%.
“Meanwhile, departures delayed at immigration checkpoints fell by 67.85%. This downward trend indicates the success of our early warning system, where upstream education and awareness campaigns have successfully raised public vigilance, leading individuals to abandon plans for irregular departure before reaching passport application or border checkpoints,” Hendarsam said.
“Additionally, we validate residency status during passport renewals to ensure Indonesians abroad are legally present and protected from immigration violations or human trafficking targets,” he added.