Challenges for Anti-Trafficking NGOs in Indonesia: rights, social-economic context, and navigating obstacles.

Paper Abstract: NGOs play a crucial role in safeguarding human dignity, especially in developing countries
like Indonesia, where they strategically work to address pressing human rights issues.
However, NGOs encounter various barriers and challenges that impede their efforts. This
research specifically focuses on the barriers faced by NGOs working on human trafficking
and exploitation in Indonesia. The analysis is based on data obtained from interviews
conducted with four NGOs: two located in Jakarta, one in Semarang, and one in Yogyakarta
regency. Furthermore, an independent worker specializing in the exploitation and trafficking
of underage individuals from the Sleman District in Yogyakarta was included for the
interview analysis. Moreover, this study delves into the socio-economic problems underlying
human trafficking in Indonesia. Drawing inspiration from Marxist theories of labor and
poverty, it posits that the issue of human trafficking in Indonesia is closely intertwined with
socio-economic instability, particularly affecting the most impoverished segment of the
population. The research identifies poverty and insufficient wages as key factors fueling
exploitation and trafficking in Indonesia. Furthermore, the study reveals implementation
challenges and a lack of alignment with international conventions, such as the Palermo
Protocols, in enforcing Indonesia's national law against human trafficking (Law No.
21/2007). These issues are particularly apparent in cases involving underage victims.