Mahfud MD Affirms Restorative Justice Is Not Applicable To TIP

Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Mahfud MD, while chairing the 26th Meeting of the ASEAN Political-Security Community Council (APSC)/ANTARA

LABUAN BAJO - Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs, Mahfud MD, emphasized that the concept of resolving restorative justice laws does not apply to cases of criminal acts of trafficking in persons (TPPO), if the perpetrators have been caught. "The TIP crime is a serious crime that cannot be reconciled, the perpetrator must be punished," Mahfud told the media crew after chairing the 26th Meeting of the ASEAN Political-Security Community Council (APSC) in Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara, Antara, Tuesday, May 9. The 26th APSC meeting was held as a series of the 42nd ASEAN Summit which took place from 9-11 May 2023. Moreover, Indonesian President Joko Widodo has stated that the Indonesian government will seriously carry out discussions on the eradication of human trafficking at the 42nd ASEAN Summit. Mahfud said that the TIP would be a special concern at the ASEAN 42nd Summit. "This has become a very threatening disease for people's lives. This will be decided by ASEAN countries in what form of cooperation," he said. In particular, Mahfud also reminded that the 42nd ASEAN Summit was held in NTT, one of which residents sometimes became victims of human trafficking. Previously, when opening the 26th APSC Meeting, Mahfud stated that ASEAN would declare a joint commitment to eradicating human trafficking in the region. "Our leaders will tomorrow adopt the Declaration of Eradication of Human Trafficking Due to Technology Abuse," he said while giving a speech at the 26th APSC Meeting. In addition to providing a comprehensive approach to preventing human trafficking and protection practices for victims, the declaration also increases ASEAN's collaboration in countering technological abuse. At the same time, Mahfud also appealed to the acceleration of the ASEAN Extradition Agreement negotiations, which have protracted, in order to support the spirit of eradicating human trafficking. Meanwhile, on Monday (8/5), Indonesian President Joko Widodo has stated that Indonesia will carry out discussions on the eradication of human trafficking in the 42nd ASEAN Summit with the emphasis of online fraud or online scams. "This is important and I deliberately propose it because the victims are ASEAN people and most of them are Indonesian citizens (Indonesian citizens, ed.)," said Jokowi.