Trafficking in persons is a large and complex issue. The term can refer to a number of crimes and violations both domestic and international. For most governing bodies, human trafficking is divided into three main categories: labor trafficking, sex trafficking, and organ trafficking. All three categories use similar methods of trapping and coercing victims. These methods can be grouped into the following categories:

• Physical force, ie. kidnapping or abduction

• Fraud or Deception, ie. false documents or false promises of work or money

• Abuse of a position of power or authority, ie. a parent, relative, or employer demanding certain actions that lead to trafficking, also includes debt bondage and the direct selling of human beings.

Because of the forceful and coercive nature of trafficking, consent of victims is not regarded if the methods above have been employed to gain that consent. By Indonesian law, consent is never legally accepted if the victim is a minor (under 18 years-old).

It is important to understand the methods and complexities used by traffickers so that you can protect yourself as well as others you see being forced into potential trafficking situations. For more information on educating yourself and your community on this issue, see our Resources Page.