To commemorate the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, the Faculty of Law, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FH UGM), together with the Jogja Free from Human Trafficking Civil Society Network (Jaringan Masyarakat Sipil Jogja Bebas Perdagangan Orang), organized a collaborative event entitled “Menungso Ora Didol: Bersatu Melawan Eksploitasi” (People Are Not for Sale: United Against Exploitation). The event was held on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at the Auditorium of Building B, FH UGM, Yogyakarta. FH UGM was represented by the Centre for Law, Gender, and Society (LGS) FH UGM. The event served as a shared platform for various elements of society to raise public awareness while strengthening collective commitment and action to prevent and address the crime of human trafficking.
The Jogja Free from Human Trafficking Civil Society Network comprises various organizations and communities, including Mitra Wacana, Beranda Migran, Rifka Annisa, Talitha Kum, DIAN Interfidei, LBH Yogyakarta, LBH APIK, Indriya-Nati, KOPPMI, as well as women’s and former migrant worker communities in Yogyakarta. The cross-sectoral involvement in the event was expected to strengthen dialogue and collaboration toward more effective prevention of and responses to human trafficking.
The event featured a series of activities, including a talk show and discussions on human trafficking issues. The talk show and discussions were divided into three sessions featuring 10 speakers from diverse backgrounds, including academics, government representatives, civil society organizations, and organizations working on migrant worker and women’s protection issues. The speakers included Sri Wiyanti Eddyono, S.H., LL.M.(HR)., Ph.D., lecturer at the Faculty of Law, UGM; Muhammad Ilyas Prakananda, S.Kom., M.Kom., Head of BP3MI Special Region of Yogyakarta; Eni Lestari, Chair of the International Migrant Alliance; Neti Hasiah from LBH APIK; Hanindha Kristy, Director of Beranda Migran; Rev. Dr. Agustina Elga Joan Sarapung, Director of DIAN Interfidei Institute, Yogyakarta; Sr. Anastasia, PMY, from Talitha Kum Indonesia; Indiah Wahyu Andari, S.Psi., Director of Rifka Annisa WCC; Mona Iswandari, Research and Advocacy Division Coordinator at Mitra Wacana; and Kharisma Wardhatul K., S.H., M.H., Director of LBH Yogyakarta.
The participation of speakers from various sectors enriched the perspectives brought to the discussion of human trafficking, covering legal and policy aspects, migrant worker protection, gender perspectives, the role of civil society, as well as efforts to prevent trafficking and address the needs of victims. The discussion also provided a cross-sectoral dialogue platform to strengthen collective strategies for creating an environment free from human trafficking and exploitation. In addition to the talk show and discussions, the event featured public speeches, artistic performances, a campaign video screening, and an MSME product bazaar.
Beyond increasing public understanding of the complexity and evolving patterns of human trafficking, the event also provided a space for survivors to share their experiences and aspirations. Survivor perspectives are essential to developing response policies and strategies that prioritize recovery and the fulfillment of victims’ rights. The MSME bazaar, which showcased products created by former migrant workers, also formed part of the effort to support their economic recovery and capacity building.
