Given the interviewS focus on Lila Sari’s work with combating human trafficking in Indonesia, and her organization’s focus on North Sumatra, West Java, and North Sulawesi, a relevant PAA question could be:

Indonesia’s Fight Against Human Trafficking: Interview with Activist Lila Sari

Archyde is committed to bringing you the latest updates on Indonesia’s efforts to combat human trafficking. Today, we’re joined by Lila Sari, Executive Director of the “Lindungan Anak Bangsa” (Protecting the Nation’s Children) foundation, a leading NGO focused on combating human trafficking in Indonesia. Lila, welcome to Archyde.

Thank you for having me. It’s crucial to raise awareness about this issue.

Absolutely. The recent reports of 525 Indonesian citizens being repatriated from Myanmar are alarming. What’s your initial reaction to the scale of this situation?

It’s devastating, but sadly, not surprising. These numbers reflect a deeply entrenched problem. Human trafficking preys on vulnerability, and economic hardship and lack of opportunities in certain regions of Indonesia make individuals susceptible to these false promises of work abroad. The Myanmar situation is just the tip of the iceberg.

The article mentions coordination with Thailand and Myanmar for the repatriation process. How critical is international cooperation in addressing these trafficking rings?

International cooperation is absolutely essential.Trafficking is a transnational crime, and these networks operate across borders. Strong partnerships with neighboring countries like Thailand, as well as source countries like Myanmar in this case, are vital for information sharing, disrupting trafficking routes, and ensuring the safe return of victims. We also need consistent and harmonized legal frameworks across countries.

We certainly know that victims come from diverse regions across Indonesia. What are some of the specific challenges faced by people from areas like North Sumatra, west Java, and North Sulawesi that make them vulnerable?

Each region has its own unique challenges. In some areas,it’s a lack of education and awareness about the dangers of trafficking. In others, it’s the lure of higher wages that are often too good to be true. Coastal communities are particularly vulnerable due to the promise of lucrative jobs in the fishing industry,which are often exploitative. Our foundation focuses on targeted community outreach programs in these high-risk areas to educate people about the risks and empower them to make informed decisions.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has successfully repatriated citizens in the past.What can be learned from these previous operations to improve future efforts?

Every repatriation is a learning opportunity. We need to analyze what worked well, what didn’t, and refine our strategies accordingly. A crucial element is providing thorough post-repatriation support, including trauma counseling, economic reintegration assistance, and legal aid. Many victims return home with nothing, facing stigma and further vulnerability to re-trafficking. We need to break that cycle.

Lila,what can our readers do to help combat human trafficking in Indonesia? What practical steps can thay take?

That’s a great question! Firstly,be aware and informed. Educate yourselves about the signs of trafficking and report any suspicions to the authorities. Support organizations like ours that are working on the ground to prevent trafficking and assist victims. Advocate for stronger anti-trafficking laws and policies.And most importantly, be kind and compassionate to survivors of trafficking. they need our support to rebuild their lives.

This is a complex issue that demands our attention. what are your thoughts on the effectiveness of current government initiatives and the role of technology in tracking and preventing human trafficking? Share your comments below.

Lila Sari, thank you for sharing your insights with us today.

Thank you for your platform. Together, we can make a difference.