Ministry of Social Affairs and Parliament Strengthen Protection for Human Trafficking Victims
Indonesia’s Ministry of Social Affairs together with House of Representatives Commission VIII visited the Santa Theresia Shelter in Batam to review protection services for victims of violence and human trafficking (TPPO). The two institutions also sought to ensure the optimisation of the Tanjungpinang Protection and Trauma Centre (RPTC), which has been upgraded to an integrated service centre.
The working visit was led by Commission VIII Chairman Marwan Dasopang, accompanied by the Ministry of Social Affairs’ Director of Social Rehabilitation for Socially Disadvantaged Persons and Trafficking Victims (RSTSKPO), Rachmat Koesnadi.
The delegation directly observed the social rehabilitation service process, psychosocial support, and protection mechanisms for victims handled by the shelter.
During a dialogue with shelter managers and support workers, Marwan expressed his appreciation for the commitment of social welfare institutions (LKS) in providing protection and recovery for victims.
“We appreciate the dedication of shelter managers and support workers who assist in victims’ recovery. We hope that social welfare institutions can be established in every region so that victims receive swift and proper protection,” said Marwan in a written statement on Sunday (22/2/2026).
Meanwhile, RSTSKPO Director Rachmat Koesnadi explained that service strengthening is also being carried out through the optimisation of the Tanjungpinang RPTC, which has now been upgraded to a ministry-owned centre in the border region.
“The Tanjungpinang RPTC has been upgraded to a centre that serves as a reception point for deported Indonesian citizens as well as an initial handling facility for vulnerable groups before they are referred to further services,” said Rachmat.
According to Rachmat, the status upgrade enables more comprehensive services, ranging from needs assessments, fulfilment of basic needs, and psychosocial support, through to facilitation of family reunification and referrals to empowerment programmes.
On the same occasion, the Ministry of Social Affairs and Commission VIII also disbursed Social Rehabilitation Assistance (ATENSI) worth Rp 24,000,000 to 10 beneficiaries, as well as Phase I of the 2026 Family Hope Programme (PKH) assistance amounting to Rp 3,175,000.
Through this working visit, the Ministry of Social Affairs and House Commission VIII reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the protection and social rehabilitation system for victims of violence and human trafficking, particularly in border regions.