President Jokowi Pushes for Discussion to Combat Human Trafficking in Upcoming ASEAN Summit
President Jokowi (second left) arrives at Komodo International Airport, East Nusa Tenggara province, Sunday (05/07). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/Laily Rachev)
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo Monday (05/08) encouraged discussion of trafficking in persons in the 42nd ASEAN Summit hosted by Indonesia.
“Let me reiterate that trafficking in persons, from top to bottom, must be eradicated. Once again, it must be totally eradicated,” President Jokowi said in a press statement after inspecting preparation of the upcoming ASEAN Summit, in Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara province.
He went on to say that eradication of trafficking in persons must be discussed in the ASEAN Summit because many ASEAN citizens including Indonesians are victims of this crime. He added that cooperation to eradicate trafficking in persons will be agreed on this year’s ASEAN Summit.
“The Summit will adopt document on cooperation in combating trafficking in persons caused by abuse of technology,” he said.
According to the President, the Philippine authority and representatives of other countries, including Indonesia, have succeeded in rescuing 1048 victims of trafficking in persons from 10 different countries, including 143 people from Indonesia. In addition, the Indonesian Government has also rescued 20 Indonesian citizens in Myanmar.
“Few days ago, the Indonesian Government rescued 20 Indonesian human trafficking victims in Myanmar. The operation is extremely hard because we need to act in a conflict area,” he said.
For the record, the President is in a working visit in Labuan Bajo to observe the preparation for the 42nd ASEAN Summit. He started by inspecting the rehearsal for welcoming the ASEAN countries’ leaders at Meruorah Hotel Lobby and attending rehearsal for photo session with leaders of ASEAN countries.
Afterwards, He went to Komodo Ballroom, Meruorah Convention Center to inspect the venue for the Summit’s main event, and went to Ayana Komodo Waecicu Beach to attend rehearsal for gala dinner. (FID/UN) (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/AIT) (RAS/LW)
