Student in Kendari Arrested While Selling Two Children to Kalimantan

A student in Kendari was arrested while trying to sell two children to Kalimantan. They are sold for up to IDR 20 million.

TOTO S

Illustration: Toto Sihono

KENDARI, KOMPAS — A student in Kendari, Southeast Sulawesi, was arrested by the authorities after he was found to be carrying two girls. The two teenagers were planned to be sold to their male colleagues in Kalimantan. Cases of sexual violence and human trafficking in Kendari continue to soar.

The Head of the Women and Children Service Unit of Kendari Regional Police Inspector Two Rais Pantara stated that on Friday afternoon (March 29, 2024), police officers arrested WIF (25) at Halu Oleo Airport. Together with WIF, there were also two teenagers aged 15 and 16.

"Now we have secured it and are still being questioned. "The team is still working to gather information and find out various things about this incident, especially the criminal case of human trafficking (TPPO)," said Rais.

Based on initial information, he said that the two teenagers were tempted to sell themselves due to several needs. One of their friends then introduced them to WIF, a student in Kendari. They then met on Wednesday (27/32024) and were promised by WIF that they could sell themselves for up to Rp 20 million.

In the meeting, according to Rais, WIF convinced both of them that he has a network in Kalimantan. He also gave a reason that the two teenagers will participate in a model contest in Kalimantan.

KOMPAS/AGUS SUSANTO

Residents pass by a mural to stop violence against children in Pulo Gadung, East Jakarta, Thursday (17/3/2022).

On Thursday (28/3/2024), Rais said that the three of them met again and stayed overnight at a hotel in Kendari. They planned to fly to Kalimantan on Friday afternoon. The two victims also ran away from their respective homes.

However, the parent of one of the victims harbored suspicions from the beginning. He prohibited his child from going to Kalimantan claiming it was to participate in a modeling competition. Moreover, on Thursday night, the child abruptly left the house without any notification.

Also read: Father in Kendari Rapes His 13 Year Old Daughter

On Friday morning, the father of the child reported to the Kema Raya police station and asked for assistance in finding his child. Upon investigation, it was discovered that the child was at the Halu Oleo Airport.

"After being approached, WIF and her child still denied the accusations. The three were then taken to the police station for questioning. There, they began to confess to the plan," he said. "However, we are still conducting an investigation for the criminal proceedings of this incident."

Cases of sexual violence against children and women in Sultra continue to increase. Case after case occurs in society with victims continuing to increase. In mid-March, a 13 year old child in Kendari was raped by her father. The victim was threatened not to report it to her mother.

Apart from that, a child in South Buton, at the end of February, was murdered and is strongly suspected of being a victim of sexual violence. The victim was killed and thrown into a ravine with his body covered in wounds. The perpetrator is still in pursuit.

Yustina Fendrita, a supporter of sexual violence victims in Southeast Sulawesi, said that TPPO cases, particularly those involving children, must be viewed comprehensively and holistically. This is because the issues that arise are not based on a single factor and are the result of several problems.

"Starting with gender bias factors where women are socially treated as objects of desire, which is intertwined with poverty issues. Not to mention the influence of social media that makes people want to instantly follow something," he said.

Unfortunately, Yustina stated that in Southeast Sulawesi, this issue has not yet become a full concern for policymakers. Every year, there is only socialization related to TPPO but it has not yet manifested in strong policies and programs.

Therefore, a competent social structure is needed, starting from families, educational institutions, and the government. This is because this issue is a significant matter that must not be allowed to continue to recur.