West Java Governor Plans Framework to Ensure 13 Human Trafficking Victims Receive Jobs Immediately

BANDUNG — West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi has confirmed that the West Java provincial government will develop an employment framework as a mitigation measure to ensure a secure future for 13 victims of suspected human trafficking in Sikka, Maumere, East Nusa Tenggara, following their repatriation. Of the 13 victims, 12 are set to be repatriated, whilst one has already returned earlier.

The governor, popularly known as KDM (Kang Dedi Mulyadi), stated that the 12 victims would be flown from Labuan Bajo to Jakarta on Wednesday (25/2/2026). They will subsequently receive support from the Directorate of Women and Children Protection and Human Trafficking Prevention (PPA and PPO) of the West Java Regional Police and the West Java Women’s Empowerment, Child Protection and Family Planning Agency (DP3AKB).

“The victims will not be sent straight home but will first receive counselling and support. However, we must first develop an employment framework together with the regional leaders whose residents have become trafficking victims,” he said in an official statement on Tuesday (24/2/2026).

According to the governor, the provincial government and regional leaders will devise efforts to ensure all 13 trafficking victims can obtain employment upon returning home. “In my view, it would be best if they could immediately secure jobs again,” he said.

KDM affirmed and guaranteed that legal proceedings and victim support would take priority before any discussion of debts claimed by the nightlife establishments where the victims had been working.

“That is something we can actually resolve. But let us not discuss debts before the examination of these victims’ rights is concluded. Whether they received the rights they were promised during their employment there, and whether they were actually paid,” he said.

KDM expressed serious concern for the humanitarian plight affecting these 13 West Javanese residents. He confirmed that all repatriation costs and pocket money would be covered from his personal funds.

“I am funding the return of these 12 victims, including providing operational expenses and pocket money for when they arrive home — all from the governor personally,” he said.