The Strategic Role of Bhayangkara Hospital in Protecting Women and Children Victims of Human Trafficking

Abstract

Human trafficking (the crime of human trafficking/TPPO) is a serious transnational crime in Indonesia that disproportionately victims women and children. Although Law Number 21 of 2007 concerning the Eradication of Human Trafficking has been enacted, significant implementation gaps remain in victim-oriented victim protection. This study examines the strategic role of Bhayangkara Hospital under the auspices of the Indonesian National Police (Polri) in protecting victims of human trafficking from a victim-oriented justice perspective. Using normative legal research through legislative, conceptual, and comparative approaches, this study analyzes the legal standing, medico-forensic functions, and potential of Bhayangkara Hospital as an integrated victim service center. The results show that Bhayangkara Hospital has a unique sui generis position, bridging the health system and law enforcement, but its protective role remains reactive and fragmented due to the absence of a specific protocol for human trafficking, weak inter-agency coordination, and minimal trauma-informed practices. This study recommends formalizing the role of Bhayangkara Hospital through specific regulatory instruments, standardized victim identification protocols, and integrated multisectoral coordination mechanisms based on the principles of VictimOriented Justice.