On 3 August, the Department for Culture and Tourism launched the joint ASEAN campaign in to Combat Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) in Tourist Destinations. This forms part of Indonesia’s commitment in ASEAN to jointly fight the crime regionally and in individual countries. In fact, since 2002 already has in place a number of legal instruments to combat this growing international crime, and has succeeded in arresting and sentencing a number of perpetrators (or “predators” as Oprah Winfrey prefers to call them in her TV program). 

ASEAN Agreement to Combat Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children in Tourist Destinations 

In 2004, Heads of Governments of the 10 ASEAN nations signed an agreement, which among others, mentions ASEAN’s resolve to combat all forms of Commercial Sexual Exploitation as well as the Trafficking of Women and Children. This Agreement was followed up by ASEAN Tourism Ministers in 2006 in Davao , in the , The Ministers stated that ASEAN countries would jointly campaign and socialize their resolve to combat the Trafficking and Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children, especially among the tourism network and within ASEAN tourist destinations. This Campaign is parallel to ASEAN resolve to jointly fight the misuse of narcotics in the region. 

Economic and social development of the ASEAN countries, in fact, relies heavily on the Tourism sector. 2004 data showed that total visitor arrivals to ASEAN in that year neared 50 million (49,963,998 visitors), an increase of 16% compared to arrivals two years before. From this number, contributed a share of 10% of total ASEAN arrivals in 2004 (5,321,165 visitors). 

In this connection ASEAN Secretary General, Mr Ong Keng Yong, informed that in the last five years, ASEAN authorities have become more 'goal-oriented' in combating the problem of trafficking of Women and Children. “There is also greater recognition that they must cooperate to prevent the trafficking of women and children and the movement of known sex offenders across borders. Much of the region is heavily dependent on tourism revenue, which could suffer from the negative association, he said.” 

To implement this resolve, ASEAN Tourism Ministers appointed ChildWise in Tourism of Australia to assist in the Campaign to Combat Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) in the ASEAN region, especially in Tourist Destinations, including in . This campaign is supported by  AUSAID. 

Sexual Exploitation of Children increasing 

Data from UNICEF showed that in Indonesia, 30% of female prostitutes are children below 18 years of age, a number are even as young as 10 years. Some 40.000 – 70.000 Indonesian children are estimated to have become victims of CSEC (or “child rape” – as Oprah calls it). The majority have been forced into the sex trade, and, this number and proportion continue to increase both domestically as well as being trafficked overseas. . 

UNICEF research further adds that Bali and Lombok are the preferred tourist destinations where highest number of crimes in CSEC in were found, (although data from other destinations are still not yet in). CSEC occurs mostly in prostitution centers, recreation centers, karaokes, massage parlors, malls etc. While majority of users are locals or domestic visitors, concludes the study. 

“Children are God’s Gifts, entrusted to us to nurture and protect” 

Since its inception, Indonesia’s Tourism has been against sex-tourism. Although the number of criminals are relatively small compared to the number of tourists arriving, however, these few cases will taint a destination as a sex haven. This is, despite the fact that most of these “predators” are not even tourists, but expatriates with long-term stay in the country, or domestic visitors who misuse genuine tourist facilities, especially hotel rooms, to perpetuate their act.   This is because they need to gain the trust first of the community before they can seduce their victims, and the community then gladly trust their children with them, since they are, by then,  known to be “so kind and so generous”. 

In his opening speech, Culture and Tourism Minister, Ir. Jero Wacik, represented by the Department’s Secretary General, Sapta Nirwandar emphasized, that :  ”Law No. 23 of the year 2002 on the Protection of Children, clearly states that “Children are Gifts granted and entrusted to us by God Almighty. For, within themselves children already carry the dignity and rights intrinsic to the total human being.” 

God Almighty, our All-loving God has blessed us with children, thereby entrusting us with their care and protection, to nurture and educate them so that these children may grow to be good human beings and good Indonesian citizens, who, one day, we hope, will become committed to further the good and welfare of the community and our nation. Since, children are our following generation who will further our hopes and aspirations. They are our love, and we nurture them so that one day they may lead this nation to a better future and a better life. 

For this reason, the duty to protect and guide children, is a duty that is that is entrusted to all, including to us who are Stakeholders in developing Indonesia’s Tourism. This responsibility is given not only to parents of children, but also to communities, including to the Tourism industry, and the Government, at both national and regional levels”, said Minister for Culture and Tourism, Ir. Jero Wacik. 

The Combat against CSEC in Indonesia

Based on the above considerations, and in spite of the fact that Indonesia’s tourism today has been and is still, battered by a number of disasters – from terrorism, to the earthquake in Yogyakarta and lately the earthquake and tsunami in the south of West and Central Java, - Indonesia’s Tourism Stakeholders are, nonetheless, aware that they still bear the responsibility to protect the nation’s children, especially those who are within the destinations, within the purview as well as the areas of authority and responsibility of Tourism, continued the Minister.   

Included in, and meant by, the Commercial Exploitation of Children are:

•          Child Prostitution

•          Child Pornography

•          Sexual Abuse of Children (pedophilia)

•          Trafficking of Children

Legal Grounds for conviction of Criminals in Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children: 

To combat the commercial sexual exploitation of Children, in 2002 enacted Law no. 23 on the Protection of Children. There are many places where Children’s rights are abused – these range from their own homes, to streets where neglected street urchins roam, and others. Whereas, the area specifically related to Tourism is mentioned in Article 15 of the Law, which states that Tourism must protect “children who are economically and/or sexually exploited”. 

Law No. 23 of 2002 further states that when convicted, offenders may be sentenced to a maximum 15-years jail term. As a result of the enforcement of this Law, a 12 year jail sentence was passed by the Bali District Court to a foreign national, who was proven to have lured children into pedophilia. (Later the press reported that the offender’s name was Tony Brown. One day after the sentence he committed suicide). 

In addition, the Government has also issued the National Action Plan in the Combat against Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Women and Children, through Presidential Decree No. 87 of 2002, and further through Decree No. 88 of 2002 on the Combat against the Trafficking of Women and Children. In this connection the appointed General Chairman for the Organization is the Coordinating Minister for Public Welfare, while the Minister for the Empowerment of Women is the Executing Chairperson. 

Furthermore, the Bill on the Combat against Human Trafficking is now being debated in Parliament to be passed into Law. 

In fact, since its inception, ’s Tourism has rejected all forms of sex tourism, since this runs counter to ’s national ethical and moral values, as clearly stated in Law no. 9 of the year 1990 on Tourism Development. 

The above legislation and national organization form the basis for actions taken by the Department of Culture and Tourism in launching the campaign in the Combat against Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children, as agreed among the ASEAN countries, to be followed through by all stakeholders in Tourism. 

Strengthening Cooperation between the Central Government and Regional Governments, the Tourism Industry, concerned Private Sectors, related Government Agencies, the Mass Media 

Therefore, the Breakfast Meeting of the 3 August 2006 is the first approach to align the understanding of the problem and steps to be taken in this campaign in coordination among the Government, - both at national as well as regional levels,- and  the Private Sector in Tourism , the private sectors in related services and products, as well as concerned Government Agencies, the Mass Media and the public at large. Such close cooperation and coordination are necessary to effectively combat this heinous crime against children, which must be undertaken both within tourist destinations, as well as in source regions where these children are recruited. 

Watch the Middleman! 

Moreover, besides watching for offenders or users, the Tourism Industry must also watch out for the middlemen or persons, who lure children and are capable of selling them for gains, even though this may be motivated by poverty. Tourist Stakeholders must take care that tourism staff are also not themselves culpable of acting as middlemen, whether, he or she is a guide, a taxi driver, a security personnel or front office personnel of hotels. For in Indonesia’s Criminal Code, middlemen are equally punishable with jail terms.  These middlemen may also be punished through articles in the Civil Code (KUHP). 

It is clear, therefore, that is resolved to develop Tourism that is both Responsible and Sustainable, said Minister Jero Wacik. 

Therefore, ’s Tourism Stakeholders are expected to take the following actions:

•          Each Tourism Stakeholders must be aware of his and her responsibilities within his or her scope of authority and duties, in the Combat and Prevention of the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children;

•          Tourism Stakeholders should report to the authorities (Management and the Police) when offenses against the Law on the Protection of Women and Children are observed in areas that are within the purview of his or her authority and duties.

•          Actively support the campaign to combat CSEC by informing all concerned on the Actions to be taken in its combat;

•          Tourism Stakeholders should not themselves be involved in CSEC offences or in the CSEC networks. 

Suggestions for Actions in Socializing the Combat against and Prevention of CSEC 

Following are a number of suggestions to Tourism Stakeholders, both within the Tourism Industry, related Private Sectors, Related Government Agencies, the Mass Media, and others:

•          The placement of Billboards (for socialization of Law no. 23 of 2002, complete with phone numbers where complaints are to be directed to) at: 

      •          International Airports (Bali, Jakarta, Batam, and others.)

•          Popular Beach Resorts (for example at Ancol, Kuta and others)

•          Streets/locations popular with international and local visitors.

•          In villates from where the children are sourced, among others along Java’s north coast, in Indramayu, Boyolali, Banyumas and others (according to studies made),

•          Posters placed in hotel areas, and information printed on other media like infosheets, tourist maps, tent cards, magazine ads, drink coasters, etc;.

•          Stickers on airline tickets issued by Airlines, Travel Agents, on Tourist Buses, in taxis etc.;

•          Information on Law No. 23 of 2002 to be printed on E/D Cards (by the Directorate General of Immigration )

•          Tourist Associations to form Working Groups to Socialize procedures to staff and communities, including their reporting to lead to the arrest of offenders;

•          The Mass Media to support the campaign’s socialization and dissemination of news on the combat against CSEC in Tourism;

•          Regional Governments at Provincial, District, City levels to inform and involve those in charge of entertainment and nightlife businesses (Bars, discos, Cafes etc) ,  massage parlours, beauty parlours etc. in the combat against CSEC;

•          Cooperate with the Farmers Network (JRSP) to socialize the campaign to remote rural areas;

•          Regions to issue Bylaws and other rules and regulations to combat and prevent the commercial sexual exploitation of children, from source areas to receiving areas;

•          Communities and the General Public to watch and prevent the commercial sexual exploitation of children. 

Call, and report Pedophiles to these telephone hotlines:   

Jakarta                                       (021) 112-523400 
Bandung , West Java                      (022) 108-4205012 
Yogyakarta                                 (0274)   108-884444 
Semarang , Central Java                  (024)     108-6710863, or 6719205 
Surabaya , East Java                     (031)     108- 199 – 8290084 
Denpasar, Bali                              (0361)   226783 Ext. 127 
Mataram, Lombok                          (0370)   108-632213 
Batam, Riau                                (0778)   108-457212 ( Nagoya ) 
Medan , North Sumatra                   (061)     108-4520971 
Manado , North Sulawesi                (0431) 108-862219, 860460 
Makassar , South Sulawesi              (0411) 108-316122, or 319271 
Entikong, West Kalimantan              (0561)   108-883126 
Pontianak , West Kalimantan           (0561)   108-737060, or 744466 
Merauke, Papua                           (0971)   108-321706 

Two Foreign Pedophiles arrested recently 

Meanwhile, two cases of Pedophilia committed by foreigners have been reported most recently: one , named Don Storm, an Australian national, was arrested by the Police in Lombok (see Indonesia Digest 26.06) and the most recent was reported here in Jakarta .

Seven street children aged between 10-16 years on 2 August reported to the Jakarta Metropolitan Police as having been sexually molested (or raped – in Oprah’s term)  by a foreigner only known by his initial “Mr. P” (nationality nor full name revealed to the press). Head of the Jakarta Centre for Street Children, Andri Cahyadi  later informed Kompas daily that the boys were given between Rp. 65,000 to Rp. 75,000 each. Mr P, apparently, also filmed the pornographic scenes in “action”. And, after these acts, Mr. P. had asked the boys to bring along their friends the next time. The case came to light when two of the children, who refused to join in the act, fled the scene and then reported the event to the Jakarta Centre for Street Children. Therefore, Cahyadi is certain that victims of “Mr. P” are more than the 7 boys.  

On Sunday, 6 August at 13.00 hrs. SCTV showed their investigative report on pedophilia, especially on Bali and Lombok . Non-government organizations working with the children report, that in the past months more than 100 children have become victims of pedophiles. They are also certain that these pedophiles work together in syndicates. A Police list showed that most foreign suspects are nationals from , and the . A boy who had been “adopted” by a foreigner had just died of HIV/AIDS. 

(Source: Dept. Culture and Tourism, SCTV, Kompas)                                 
(Tuti Sunario)