RI told to do more on trafficking

RI told to do more on trafficking

JAKARTA: Comparing human trafficking to slavery, a U.S.
official on Monday called on Indonesia to quickly pass pending
legislation that toughens penalties for those caught forcing
people into jobs as prostitutes, laborers and maids.

John Miller, director of the U.S. State Department's anti-
people trafficking office, also announced Washington's plan to
spend US$100 million to combat trafficking worldwide this year.
His three-day visit to Indonesia ended Monday.

"The U.S. government is increasing its commitments in the
growing movement of governments, activists and law-abiding
citizens worldwide to put an end to this modern-day form of
slavery," said Miller, after he toured a Jakarta hospital that
treats migrant workers abused abroad.

Miller said he believed Indonesia was making progress in the
fight against trafficking but needed to do more.

He praised Indonesia for taking part in a recent U.S.-
sponsored law enforcement training session on trafficking and
setting up special anti-trafficking unit within the national
police department.

But he said the country should move to pass pending anti-
trafficking legislation that was due to be approved last year.

"I understand the president and government support this
legislation," he said. "I hope the legislation is passed in the
next few months. It will give additional tools to the police and
provide tougher punishment for the traffickers."

A U.S. government report last year said Indonesia was lagging
behind in efforts to counter trafficking due to corruption and
poor law enforcement. It also said Indonesia lacked skilled
officials and resources to help victims.

Over 500,000 Indonesian women and children are working
illegally in Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Brunei, the
Middle East and Australia, according to official statistics.

Miller also will be visiting Japan, Singapore, Malaysia and
Vietnam. AP