The Challenge of Eradicating Child Sexual Exploitation

9 hours ago 4

October 31, 2025 | 07:46 pm

Illustration of sexual harassment to children / little boys. Shutterstock

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A delegation from the Indonesian Child Protection Commission, or KPAI, had to turn back on Tuesday, October 14, 2025. That day, they went to Delta Spa Pejaten in Pasar Minggu, South Jakarta, to ask about the death of a 14-year-old girl identified as RTA, who worked there as a therapist. But the men-only massage parlor and spa was closed.

They then headed to the South Jakarta Metropolitan Police headquarters. However, according to KPAI Chair Ai Maryati Solihah, the police did not provide satisfying answers. The commission suspects that RTA was a victim of human trafficking (TPPO). “It is highly likely there is a recruitment network that intentionally forged a child’s identity,” Ai told Tempo.

Ai said recruiters target children who are economically vulnerable or have unstable family conditions. These networks operate aggressively in various regions, driven by high demand for young women in major cities across Indonesia. “The police should uncover this,” she said.

The KPAI also found cases of child human trafficking investigations halted by police because victims’ families withdrew their reports after a settlement with the perpetrators. Yet investigations into child exploitation and trafficking cannot be terminated on those grounds. “Because it is not a complaint-based crime,” she said.

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