Twelve West Java Residents, Victims of Alleged Human Trafficking in Maumere, Arrive in Bandung for Recovery
Twelve residents of West Java province, who were victims of alleged human trafficking in Maumere, East Nusa Tenggara, finally arrived in Bandung on Wednesday evening (25/2/2026). The return of these victims was a priority for the West Java provincial government after they were found in a traumatised condition in East Nusa Tenggara.
The victims are scheduled to stay at the safe house of the Technical Implementation Unit (UPTD) for Women and Child Protection of the Department of Women’s Empowerment, Child Protection and Family Planning (DP3AKB) of West Java province. The group travelled by air from Labuan Bajo to Jakarta, before continuing their journey by land to Bandung.
Upon arriving in Bandung at around 7:00 PM, the victims were welcomed by the West Java Special Legal Team. They were immediately directed to the UPTD for Women and Child Protection in West Java to rest and undergo a re-registration process by the relevant officers.
The Chairman of the West Java Special Legal Team, Jutek Bongso, explained that the victims would be placed in a safe house to help them recover psychologically. The provincial government emphasised that legal and humanitarian protection is the top priority in handling this case.
“Upon arriving in Bandung tonight, the victims will be registered by the UPTD for Women and Child Protection of West Java province and will be given an explanation of the programs that will be provided by the West Java provincial government. The provincial government emphasises efforts to help the victims recover, including in terms of legal assistance,” said Jutek.
In addition to mental recovery, the victims are also scheduled to undergo a comprehensive health examination at a hospital owned by the West Java provincial government. This step is taken to ensure their physical condition, including the detection of diseases such as HIV and other in-depth health examinations.
Jutek added that the West Java provincial government has prepared a follow-up training and mentoring program. This aims to ensure that the victims have economic independence and do not return to their previous jobs in Maumere, which were full of risks.
“The Governor stressed that the government’s focus is on the humanitarian aspect so that the victims do not experience repeated trauma, given that they are victims of human trafficking and sexual violence,” he said.
Regarding the duration of the assistance, the authorities will adjust it to the mental condition of each victim based on the results of the assessment by the psychology team. Currently, the victims are reported to be still experiencing severe trauma.
Previously, when meeting with the Governor in Maumere, the victims urged to be immediately repatriated to West Java. In response, the government prioritised their return by chartering a Susi Air plane to evacuate the victims more quickly from the scene to the main departure point. (I-2)