TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The existence of financiers in Malaysia, and illegal workers from Indonesia, is no fantasy. Data showing the transfer of billions of rupiah to Indonesian law enforcement officials reveal that there is a human trafficking network linking them with individuals.
Among these people are state officials. So far, the police have questioned and detained several suspects over trafficking illegal workers from East Nusa Tenggara. But there is evidence that there are many more, especially brokers, who remain at large. There must be a more extensive and thorough investigation. Given the cross-border nature of the crimes, a joint operation with Malaysian Police must be launched immediately.
Because this concerns events in another country, the Indonesian embassy must not simply wait for reports. The tendency for officials to only start working when a case comes to light must stop.
They should be proactive in keeping an eye on Indonesians working oversees. Only in this way will embassies be able to offer effective protection, or at the very least, be able to offer timely assistance in an emergency.
Trafficking of workers from East Nusa Tenggara is a serious problem. Data from the National Agency for Placement and Protection of Indonesian Workers (BNP2TKI), show large numbers involved. The Eastern Indonesia Women's Network, a volunteer organization that advocates for the same issue, has found data showing that more workers are sent from this province than by others in Indonesia.
They are not only sent overseas, they are often sent home in coffins. These unfortunates are the victims of abuse due to poor working conditions that turn them into little more than slaves, targets for organ traffickers or other inhuman treatment.
The involvement of state officials-police and immigration officers-makes crimes ending in death even more likely. With their help, the companies that recruit workers, most of which are unprofessional and who are more concerned with making money by finding and illegally sending workers, can operate freely.
The police must not allow this to continue. Firm action is needed even though they are not directly involved, as their role is limited to falsifying demographic data and processing documentation.
Aside from legal action and anticipatory measures, there is another issue no less deserving of concern. This is related to the root of the problem. It is widely known that East Nusa Tenggara is one of the poorest provinces in the country. Poverty there makes life difficult for many people and limits their options.
It is understandable that the desire to work overseas overrides common sense.
The government should try to find a way out of this unpromising state of affairs. With limited government funding, this will not be easy. But because in February, President Joko Widodo instructed government officials to intensify efforts to eradicate poverty in East Nusa Tenggara, people are impatient for results.
Without more prosperity, it will be difficult to stop the trafficking of illegal workers from East Nusa Tenggara. (*)
Read the full story in this week's edition of Tempo English Magazine
