LPSK Provides Protection for 13 Female Victims of Alleged Human Trafficking in Maumere
The Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK) has ensured protection for 13 victims of alleged human trafficking in one of the entertainment venues in Maumere, Sikka Regency, East Nusa Tenggara.
Deputy Chairman of LPSK, Sri Suparyati, said that protecting the victims is the top priority as the case enters the suspect designation stage.
“LPSK has reached out to the victims and ensured their protection needs are met. Our principle is clear: the victims must be safe, recover, and continue to have access to justice,” said Sri in a written statement on Thursday (February 26), quoted by Antara.
She explained that since mid-February, LPSK has conducted outreach, in-depth investigation, and assessment of the victims’ needs, both in terms of security, psychological support, and legal assistance.
“The legal process is underway; we have coordinated with the regional police (Polda), and based on the information we received, two suspects have been designated, who are known to be a husband and wife,” she explained.
Sri said that the Chief of NTT Police, Rudi Darmoko, gave a positive response and expressed his commitment to support efforts to protect witnesses and victims and strengthen the ongoing law enforcement process.
In addition to coordinating with the NTT Police, LPSK has also sent an official letter to coordinate with the Governor of West Java, Dedi Mulyadi, regarding the victims’ return to their hometown.
A total of 12 adult women and one person who was a minor at the time of the incident were returned to West Java on February 23, 2026.
LPSK emphasized that the victims’ return does not stop the legal process. The examination and trial mechanisms can still be facilitated in accordance with applicable legal procedures.
She added that this case has been processed using Article 455 of the new Criminal Code regarding recruitment, accommodation, sending, and receiving within the scope of human trafficking. However, based on an in-depth investigation of the victims, there are indications of sexual exploitation.
In connection with these findings, LPSK reminded that Article 12 of Law Number 12 of 2022 concerning Criminal Acts of Sexual Violence (TPKS) regulates criminal offenses regarding the act of exploiting vulnerability, helplessness, dependence, or debt bondage for sexual purposes and obtaining profit.
Therefore, LPSK encourages the police to also investigate the element of sexual violence in the construction of the case being handled, especially regarding alleged sexual exploitation.
“In addition to human trafficking, we see indications of sexual exploitation, which is regulated in the TPKS Law. Law enforcement must look at this case as a whole so that all forms of exploitation experienced by the victims can be addressed,” she said.
Sri further explained that all the victims have submitted a request for protection to LPSK.
A total of 13 victims requested protection and recovery as well as legal assistance to ensure that their rights are protected at each stage of the judicial process. Of this number, 12 victims requested restitution, six victims requested psychological services, and seven victims requested psychosocial services.
“This request shows the victims’ commitment to continuing the legal process to completion. The state must ensure that they are not left to face this alone,” said Sri.