Fulfillment of the Elements of the Crime of Human Trafficking in Judicial Evidence: An Analysis of Decision Number 625/Pid.Sus/2023/PN Sda

Abstract

Human trafficking is a serious criminal offense that violates human dignity and fundamental human rights. The complexity of proving human trafficking cases arises from the requirement to establish the fulfillment of cumulative elements consisting of the act element (process), the means element, and the purpose element of exploitation as regulated under Law Number 21 of 2007 concerning the Eradication of the Crime of Human Trafficking. The existence of recruitment, transportation, or assistance activities related to employment arrangements cannot automatically constitute human trafficking without proof of unlawful means and exploitative purposes. This research aims to analyze the fulfillment of the elements of human trafficking in judicial evidence and to examine the legal considerations of judges in acquitting the defendant in Decision Number 625/Pid.Sus/2023/PN Sda. This research employs a normative juridical method using statutory, conceptual, and case approaches. The legal materials analyzed consist of legislation, court decisions, legal doctrines, and relevant national and international academic literature concerning human trafficking and criminal evidence. The analysis focuses on the relationship between the elements of trafficking and the evidence presented during the trial. The results indicate that the prosecution failed to prove all elements of human trafficking cumulatively. The defendant’s alleged involvement in recruitment or employmentrelated assistance was insufficient to establish the act element, while the means element and exploitation purpose element were not proven through valid evidence. The judges’ acquittal was therefore consistent with the principle of legality and the evidentiary standard under Article 183 of the Indonesian Criminal Procedure Code, which requires proof beyond reasonable doubt before imposing criminal liability. This research emphasizes the importance of careful judicial assessment in distinguishing Fulfillment of the Elements of the Crime... (Muhammad Taufiq) The copyright of this document is owned by Faculty of Law UNISSULA and is protected by the law ║ 1037 FACULTY OF LAW PROCEEDING OF INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON THE LAW DEVELOPMENT FOR PUBLIC WELFARE ISSN: 2798-9313 LICS 2026 Topic: Strengthening Legal Frameworks for Combating Human Trafficking and Enhancing Protection of Women and Children human trafficking offenses from other related violations to ensure legal certainty and fair criminal enforcement.