Ketika dihighlight Oleh PBB-UNODC

 

Tangkapan layar berita di UNODC

ECPAT Indonesia memiliki sebuah program dampingan untuk korban dan penyintas eksploitasi seksual anak. Saya dihired untuk membantu proses assesment awal (skills dan minat) lalu program itu berlanjut pada beberapa sesi lanjutan dimulai dari financial literasi bersama Unicef. di bulan Agustus nanti,  saya akan membersamai sesi mengenal diri, emosi, memiliki coping mechanisme untuk mengatasi trauma bagi anak-anak dampingan ini. Ada 25 anak yang kami dampingi, sebagian besar mereka masih bekerja sebagai pekerja seks komersial, ada yang korban dan penyintas. 

Ternyata program ini mendapat perhatian khusus dan dihighlight pada web PBB. Terimakasih ECPAT Indonesia dan UN-ODC. Link berita ini bisa kamu baca di sini

A Path to Empowerment: Fighting Child Trafficking in East Jakarta

July 2025: The dynamic atmosphere of Jakarta, as Indonesia’s capital city, continues to attract people from across the city. Motivated by the pursuit of higher education, better job opportunities, and the hope for an improved quality of life, many individuals are drawn to the city’s promises.

While these motivations reflect the positive aspirations of urban migration, they also reveal the other side of Jakarta’s complex reality. The rapid urbanization and dense population have contributed to persistent social challenges, including high rates of crime and unlawful activity. Among the most alarming of these issues is the continued occurrence of human trafficking.

Despite efforts by various stakeholders, trafficking in persons remains a pressing concern, particularly affecting children who are vulnerable to exploitation. This underscores the urgent need for coordinated actions, preventive measures, and community-based interventions to address the underlying risks and provide sustainable support for those affected.

In response to these negative impacts, the United Nations Voluntary Trust Fund for Victims of Trafficking (UNVTF), as the primary donor, engaged ECPAT Indonesia to implement a series of activities involving vulnerable children, victims, and survivors of trafficking for sexual exploitation, as well as local government stakeholders. The project, titled “Breaking the Chain of Child Trafficking for Sexual Exploitation Purposes through Enabling Protective Ecosystem for Child Victims and Survivors with Community Approaches at East Jakarta” is primarily focused in East Jakarta. The primary goal is to enhance children’s self-confidence through skill-building activities, particularly in the arts, while also equipping them with financial literacy and reproductive health education. 

Investing in Potential Through Education

Several activities have already been implemented with the children. With first activity, ECPAT brought the children together for an initial assessment using a card-based method designed to explore their existing skills. This apprA Path to Empowerment: Fighting Child Trafficking in East Jakarta

July 2025: The dynamic atmosphere of Jakarta, as Indonesia’s capital city, continues to attract people from across the city. Motivated by the pursuit of higher education, better job opportunities, and the hope for an improved quality of life, many individuals are drawn to the city’s promises.

While these motivations reflect the positive aspirations of urban migration, they also reveal the other side of Jakarta’s complex reality. The rapid urbanization and dense population have contributed to persistent social challenges, including high rates of crime and unlawful activity. Among the most alarming of these issues is the continued occurrence of human trafficking.

Despite efforts by various stakeholders, trafficking in persons remains a pressing concern, particularly affecting children who are vulnerable to exploitation. This underscores the urgent need for coordinated actions, preventive measures, and community-based interventions to address the underlying risks and provide sustainable support for those affected.

In response to these negative impacts, the United Nations Voluntary Trust Fund for Victims of Trafficking (UNVTF), as the primary donor, engaged ECPAT Indonesia to implement a series of activities involving vulnerable children, victims, and survivors of trafficking for sexual exploitation, as well as local government stakeholders. The project, titled “Breaking the Chain of Child Trafficking for Sexual Exploitation Purposes through Enabling Protective Ecosystem for Child Victims and Survivors with Community Approaches at East Jakarta” is primarily focused in East Jakarta. The primary goal is to enhance children’s self-confidence through skill-building activities, particularly in the arts, while also equipping them with financial literacy and reproductive health education.  

Investing in Potential Through Education

Several activities have already been implemented with the children. With first activity, ECPAT brought the children together for an initial assessment using a card-based method designed to explore their existing skills. This approach also aimed to help them reflect on their own competencies and motivation. A parallel activity using a different set of cards sought to examine the root causes of low self-confidence among the children. Through guided reflection, many were able to articulate fears, past experiences, and limitations that have shaped their current mindset.

The sessions with the children continued with educational activities on financial literacy. During this meeting, the children appeared more engaged and confident. Some were no longer shy when introducing themselves, and a few even took the initiative to sing during the ice-breaking session. The atmosphere felt more open, warm, and filled with laughter.

The module was presented in a simple and child-friendly format. The use of visuals helped relate the topic to their everyday experiences, making it easier for them to understand how to manage their income and expenses. As the session unfolded, the children started connecting the lessons to their own lives, thinking about how they spend money, how they could save, and how to make thoughtful choices. It was not just a lesson in managing income and expenses, but a small step to building their responsibility in a way that made sense to them.

With this support, ECPAT also collaborates with the Bandungwangi Foundation and The Women and Children Protection Unit (UPTD PPA) under the Jakarta Provincial Government. As an organization that works directly with victims, they conduct field visits to assess the current needs of the children. During these visits, staff at ECPAT take the time to listen to the stories of those involved in the project. These personal interactions often create a safe and supportive environment, allowing children to feel more comfortable and willing to open up and share their experiences.

Stories of Resilience and Hope

During the field visit, ECPAT encountered several children residing in communities located near areas of prostitution. Among them were both survivors and children who remain vulnerable to exploitation. These children openly shared their daily routines and current activities. Some are engaged in productive pursuits such as learning to cook, playing with friends in their neighborhood, and continuing their formal education.

Notably, one child shared an inspiring story of resilience and determination. Despite the challenges she has faced, she successfully advanced to higher education and is now pursuing her studies at a university through a scholarship program. Her story reflects not only her personal strength but also the potential impact of sustained support and opportunity for children in vulnerable environments.

oach also aimed to help them reflect on their own competencies and motivation. A parallel activity using a different set of cards sought to examine the root causes of low self-confidence among the children. Through guided reflection, many were able to articulate fears, past experiences, and limitations that have shaped their current mindset.

The sessions with the children continued with educational activities on financial literacy. During this meeting, the children appeared more engaged and confident. Some were no longer shy when introducing themselves, and a few even took the initiative to sing during the ice-breaking session. The atmosphere felt more open, warm, and filled with laughter.

The module was presented in a simple and child-friendly format. The use of visuals helped relate the topic to their everyday experiences, making it easier for them to understand how to manage their income and expenses. As the session unfolded, the children started connecting the lessons to their own lives, thinking about how they spend money, how they could save, and how to make thoughtful choices. It was not just a lesson in managing income and expenses, but a small step to building their responsibility in a way that made sense to them.

With this support, ECPAT also collaborates with the Bandungwangi Foundation and The Women and Children Protection Unit (UPTD PPA) under the Jakarta Provincial Government. As an organization that works directly with victims, they conduct field visits to assess the current needs of the children. During these visits, staff at ECPAT take the time to listen to the stories of those involved in the project. These personal interactions often create a safe and supportive environment, allowing children to feel more comfortable and willing to open up and share their experiences.