The Reality of Human Trafficking in Indonesia

Indonesia is a beautiful nation filled with stunning landscapes, rich culture, and hospitable people. It is also a hotspot for human trafficking. According to the Global Slavery Index, there are an estimated 1,220,000 Indonesians enslaved today. Many of these men, women, and children are trafficked for labor or domestic servitude domestically and internationally, while others are exploited in the sex trade. 43% of Indonesian trafficking victims are between the ages of 14-17.

Conditions That Create Vulnerabilities

While many parts of the country are economic hubs due to tourism or trade, Indonesians from impoverished areas are seeking better education and job opportunities. Many migrate out of the country with promises of well-paying jobs only to find themselves enslaved as domestic workers or in the fishing, agriculture, logging, or sex industries. The demand for sex services in larger cities by both foreign sex tourists and local consumers has created a pipeline for adult and child victims of sex trafficking from all over the country. The commercial sexual exploitation of children in tourism is a particular concern in major tourist hubs like Bali, Batam, and Jakarta. According to the Trafficking in Persons report, there were 70,000 – 80,0000 children being sold for sex throughout all 34 Indonesian provinces in 2020, but local advocates believe the number is likely much higher.

Helping Combat Trafficking

Human trafficking takes place within a sophisticated network of criminals, and combatting human trafficking effectively requires an equally sophisticated community of abolitionists. Put simply, this enormous injustice cannot be solved by any single organization. For this reason, Dark Bali is committed bringing together every individual and organization fighting human trafficking in Indonesia so that we can function as one coordinated and powerful unit.