Indonesia Urges Comprehensive Strengthening of Efforts to Combat Trafficking in Persons at 42nd ASEAN Summit 2023

Jakarta, 01 Mei 2023 – Trafficking in persons is one of the main issues to be discussed at the plenary session of the 42nd ASEAN Summit 2023, which will be chaired by Indonesian President Joko Widodo. 

Photo Caption: Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson/Director General for Information and Public Diplomacy, Teuku Faizasyah. Trafficking in persons is one of the main issues to be discussed at the plenary session of the 42nd ASEAN Summit 2023 which will be chaired by Indonesian President Joko Widodo. (Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

ASEAN leaders are paying much attention to the issue. This is because according to records, the number of cases in the region are increasing and are occurring through fraudulent methods using information and communication technology. Indonesia has taken the initiative to propose strengthening joint efforts in combating the crime. 

Recently, news circulated about Indonesian citizens who were employed as online gambling scammers in Cambodia. Indonesian citizens who are deceived and work abroad can be classified as victims of trafficking in persons.

This and other similar incidents have prompted Indonesia to propose an initiative to strengthen joint efforts in combating these crimes.

"Indonesia's initiative as a form of regional effort in handling trafficking in persons will be discussed and outlined in the ASEAN Leaders' Declaration on Combating TIP Caused by Abuse of Technology," said Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Teuku Faizasyah, Monday (1/5/2023) in Jakarta.

The complexity of the problem, he said, requires collective regional efforts. Starting from the stages of detection, prevention, protection, repatriation, rehabilitation and addressing the root of the problem.

For this reason, law enforcement capacity of ASEAN member states needs to be strengthened in conducting investigations, collecting evidence, identifying victims and prosecution. There is also a need 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 post-2025 vision, post-pandemic economic recovery, strengthening health architecture in the region, as well as other important issues in and outside the region. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs/TR/Elvira)

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For more information, please contact the following:

Director General for Information and Public Diplomacy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Teuku Faizasyah (08121134275)

Get more information at http://asean2023.id and https://infopublik.id