inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. Vice Speaker of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR RI), Lestari Moerdijat, stated that the crime of human trafficking (TPPO) is a form of betrayal to the 1945 Constitution and humanitarian values.
"TPPO is a betrayal to the constitution and humanity, so the state must be more proactive in preventing it," she said in welcoming Anti-Human Trafficking Day, which is commemorated every July 30th, as reported in Jakarta on Thursday (7/30/2026).
She encouraged the strengthening of a national system capable of detecting, preventing, protecting, and rehabilitating victims of human trafficking, given that this extraordinary crime operates across borders, utilizes digital technology, and is connected to various other crimes.
"Every human being is born with dignity that cannot be traded. When people are trafficked, what is truly being stolen is not only their freedom, but also their dignity, future, and basic rights," Lestari said.
She highlighted technological developments that have given rise to new modus operandi. This crime continues to evolve, one example of which is the rise in human trafficking to be forced into online fraud operations.
On the other hand, education level does not guarantee freedom from the clutches of human trafficking. Based on data from the Directorate General of Immigration, he said, the majority of victims recruited through social media are bachelor's and master's degree graduates, particularly in information technology.
She emphasized that Indonesia should not simply react after a number of victims have fallen.
"It is time for Indonesia to evaluate and revise Law Number 21 of 2007 concerning the Eradication of TPPO to address the challenges of human trafficking in the digital era and strengthen protection for every citizen," Lestari said.
According to her, the revised TIP Law must broaden the definition of TIP and accommodate efforts to address new forms of exploitation such as scam centers, digital exploitation, social media-based recruitment, and artificial intelligence (AI).
Furthermore, criminal sanctions for syndicates must be increased, and victim protection must be at the heart of policy.
(ad/inp/pr/rs)
