Maritime Law and Human Trafficking at Sea: Protection, Law Enforcement, and Transnational Challenges

Abstract

Human trafficking at sea is a form of transnational crime that continues to develop along with increasing global maritime activity, cross-border migration, and international trade. Indonesia, as the world's largest archipelagic country with a strategic position on international shipping routes, faces high vulnerability to human trafficking practices that occur through the shipping, fisheries, and illegal migration sectors. Although various national and international legal instruments have been implemented, the effectiveness of victim protection and law enforcement against perpetrators of human trafficking in maritime areas still faces various obstacles, such as limited maritime surveillance, the complexity of cross-border jurisdiction, weak inter-agency coordination, and the involvement of transnational organized crime networks. This study aims to analyze the influence of the effectiveness of maritime law on the protection of victims and law enforcement of the crime of human trafficking at sea, and examine the role of international cooperation in strengthening efforts to eradicate this crime. This study uses a quantitative approach with a survey method of law enforcement officials, relevant government agencies, academics, and practitioners related to maritime law and human trafficking issues. Primary data was obtained through questionnaires, while secondary data was obtained from laws and regulations, international organization reports, and relevant scientific publications. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive and inferential statistics to examine the relationship between the effectiveness of maritime law, victim protection, law enforcement, and international cooperation. The results of the study are expected to show that the effectiveness of maritime law has a positive and significant influence on improving victim protection and the success of law enforcement against the crime of human trafficking at sea. In addition, international cooperation is expected to play a supporting role in strengthening the effectiveness of prevention, protection, and prosecution efforts against transnational human trafficking networks. Theoretically, this study contributes to the development of maritime law studies and international criminal law related to the crime of human trafficking. Practically, the results of the study are expected to form the basis for recommendations for the government, law enforcement officials, and other stakeholders in formulating more effective policies and strategies to strengthen human rights protection and national maritime security.