LPSK Assists 13 Victims of Human Trafficking in Sikka, One a Minor
The Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK) is assisting 13 victims in a case of alleged human trafficking from West Java in Maumere, Sikka Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). One of the victims is a minor.
In a recent development, LPSK is also urging law enforcement to apply the Law on Sexual Violence in handling the case.
Deputy Chairman of LPSK, Sri Suparyati, in a press conference at the NTT LPSK Representative Office on Thursday (February 26), explained that the team has been on the ground since last week to conduct identification. According to Sri, the investigation identified two perpetrators who have now been officially designated as suspects by the police.
According to Sri, all victims have submitted protection requests to LPSK. These requests include restitution, legal assistance, and psychological and psychosocial services. Currently, the victims are at the Regional Technical Implementation Unit (UPTD) of West Java to receive counseling before being repatriated.
Sri revealed that, based on the field team’s findings, there are indications of alleged sexual exploitation in the case. However, the articles applied so far have not accommodated the provisions in the Law on Sexual Violence.
“We are officially requesting that the application of the articles also consider the Law on Sexual Violence. The Head of the Regional Police’s response to this proposal was quite positive,” she said.
According to Sri, strengthening law enforcement is key to breaking the chain of human trafficking in NTT. She emphasized that human trafficking is the second most common crime in NTT after sexual violence against children.
LPSK data shows that throughout 2025, there were 369 protection requests in NTT. Sexual violence against children dominated with 137 cases, followed by human trafficking with 104 cases, and other types of crimes such as money laundering with 27 cases, sexual violence with 25 cases, aggravated assault with 14 cases, domestic violence with 4 cases, and terrorism with 1 case.
Meanwhile, as of February 23, 2026, there were 26 protection requests. Sexual violence against children was again the most common case with 10 reports, followed by human trafficking with 8 cases, general violence with 4 cases, sexual violence with 3 cases, and corruption with 1 case.
LPSK also ensures that protection is not only provided to victims but also to the families who support them. The forms of protection include medical, psychological, and psychosocial services, temporary living assistance according to the minimum wage, and placement in a safe house if the threat level is considered high. “Protection is provided comprehensively so that victims feel safe and the legal process can run to completion,” Sri emphasized.
STRENGTHENING SYNERGY
Meanwhile, the Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK) conducted a coordination visit to several law enforcement and local government institutions in NTT to strengthen synergy in victim and witness protection.
According to Sri Suparyati, the visit was made to the Kupang District Court, NTT Police, NTT High Prosecutor’s Office, and local government to accelerate coordination and submission of protection, including through the online Simpusaka system. LPSK also hopes for support in providing a permanent representative office in NTT.
Secretary General of LPSK, Sriyana, added that throughout 2025, there were 369 protection requests in NTT, an increase from 193 cases in 2024. According to him, the presence of a representative office in Kupang is important to accelerate services, especially during the critical period of victim assistance.
LPSK provides protection ranging from legal assistance, medical and psychological assistance, to living and education assistance for victims in accordance with applicable regulations. (E-2)