In a heart-wrenching incident in Sidoarjo, Indonesia, the plight of a young girl came to light when her biological mother entrusted her to an orphanage, only for her to be ensnared in a dangerous world of exploitation. However, amidst the darkness, a ray of hope emerges through the reunification and empowerment program of Westerlaken foundation/Yayasan Bali Bersih. This program aims to empower families, enabling them to provide a better quality of life for their children, eliminating the need for orphanages and protecting vulnerable individuals from exploitation.
The Tragic Tale:
The incident unfolded on June 14, 2023, when the Sidoarjo Police exposed a case of human trafficking in the Bungurasih neighbourhood of Waru, Sidoarjo, East Java. During the raid on a guesthouse, the police apprehended a 16-year-old junior high school student who was serving as an escort for men who placed orders through the MiChat application. Alongside the student, the police also arrested ES, a 45-year-old woman who managed the guesthouse. Investigations revealed that ES had been selling the underage student to clients through MiChat.
According to Kombes Kusumo Wahyu Bintoro, the Sidoarjo Police Chief, ES received a portion of the proceeds from each transaction, ranging from Rp 50,000 to Rp 100,000. Shockingly, ES was none other than the mother of the victim's friend, known to the victim for the past three months. The victim had been living a transient life, residing with her stepmother in the Krian district of Sidoarjo since the age of three. In July 2022, she began living with her biological mother in Tuban Regency, but her stay was short-lived as she was then placed in an orphanage in Surabaya.
In early 2023, the victim escaped from the orphanage and decided to return to her stepmother's house in Krian. It was in April 2023 that she met ES, who offered her a job serving guests for a daily wage of Rp 500,000 to Rp 1,000,000. From the end of April 2023 onwards, the victim started working, earning an average of Rp 200,000 to Rp 400,000 per guest. On average, she served 1 to 4 guests per day. ES would take Rp 50,000 from earnings of Rp 200,000 and Rp 100,000 from earnings of Rp 400,000. Additionally, ES charged the victim Rp 200,000 for the room and Rp 100,000 for laundry if the victim had clothes to be washed.
The Reunification and Empowerment Program:
While the incident highlights the horrifying reality of human trafficking and exploitation, organisations like Westerlaken foundation/Yayasan Bali Bersih are working tirelessly to break this cycle of abuse and provide support for vulnerable families. Through their reunification and empowerment program, families are given the necessary resources and assistance to empower themselves, ensuring a safe and nurturing environment for their children.
The program focuses on various aspects to uplift families and provide a better quality of life:
1. Reunification: The program actively seeks to reunite children with their biological families whenever possible. Recognizing the importance of a stable and loving family environment, efforts are made to address the underlying issues that may have led to family separation.
2. Socioeconomic Empowerment: Families participating in this program receive support and resources to improve their financial situation. This includes food aid packages, entrepreneurship opportunities, and educational assistance in the form of school fees and school supplies. By empowering families economically, they become better prepared to meet the needs of their children.
3. Education and Skills Development: Education is a vital component of breaking the cycle of exploitation. The program ensures that children have access to quality education and supports their academic journey.
4. Emotional and Psychological Support: The program acknowledges the trauma experienced by children and families affected by exploitation. Professional counselling and mental health support services are offered to help them heal and rebuild their lives.
5. Community Engagement: The program fosters community involvement and support systems by collaborating with local stakeholders, and organisations. Creating a network of support within the community reinforces the protection and empowerment of vulnerable individuals.
The tragic story of the young girl in Sidoarjo highlights the urgent need for comprehensive measures to combat human trafficking and protect vulnerable children and families. Organisations like Westerlaken foundation/Yayasan Bali Bersih are leading the way in providing reunification and empowerment programs that address the root causes of exploitation. By offering families the support they need to improve their circumstances, we can break the cycle of abuse, create safer communities, and ensure a brighter future for all children. It is through collaborative efforts and a commitment to social change that we can truly empower families and protect the rights and dignity of every individual.
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