Indonesia Urges to Step Up Efforts to Combat Human Trafficking at 42nd ASEAN Summit 2023

Human trafficking is one of the main topics to be discussed in the plenary session of the 42nd ASEAN Summit 2023, which will be chaired by the Indonesian President, Joko Widodo.

ASEAN leaders are paying close attention to this issue. This is because, according to the records, the number of cases in the region is increasing and they are produced through fraudulent methods that use information and communication technologies. Indonesia has taken the initiative to propose that joint efforts be redoubled in the fight against this crime.

News circulated recently about Indonesian citizens employed as online gambling scammers in Cambodia. Indonesian citizens who are tricked into working abroad can be classified as victims of human trafficking.

Indonesia fights human trafficking

This and other similar incidents have led Indonesia to propose an initiative to intensify joint efforts in the fight against these crimes.

ASEAN leaders to discuss key regional issues at the 42nd ASEAN Summit

“Indonesia’s initiative as a form of regional effort in handling human trafficking will be discussed and outlined in the ASEAN Leaders’ Statement on Fighting TIP Caused by Abuse of Technology,” the spokesperson said. of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Teuku Faizasyah, on May 1 in Jakarta.

The complexity of the problem, he said, requires collective regional efforts. Starting with the phases of detection, prevention, protection, repatriation, rehabilitation and treatment of the root of the problem.

the number of cases in the region is increasing and is produced through fraudulent methods that use information and communication technologies

For this reason, it is necessary to strengthen the capacity of ASEAN member states to carry out investigations, collect evidence, identify victims and prosecute them. It is also necessary to strengthen cooperation for the prevention, rehabilitation and reintegration of victims.

The 42nd ASEAN Summit 2023 will also discuss issues related to strengthening ASEAN institutions, ASEAN’s vision for post-2025, post-pandemic economic recovery, strengthening the health architecture in the region, as well as other important issues inside and outside the region.