Law Enforcement by Indonesian National Police Investigators in Handling The Crime of Human Trafficking in The Framework of Protection Against Crimes Targeting Women and Children

Abstract

The Crime of Human Trafficking (TPPO) is a form of organized transnational crime that fundamentally violates human dignity and worth, in which women and children consistently occupy the position of the most vulnerable victim groups. This modern form of slavery operates through syndicate networks that exploit economic vulnerability, limited education, and socio-cultural structural inequalities within society. This abstract highlights the urgency of law enforcement that is not only oriented toward punishing perpetrators but must also emphasize integrated victim protection. The Indonesian National Police (Polri), as the frontline institution of the criminal justice system, bears a significant constitutional responsibility to dismantle these criminal networks while ensuring the restoration of the rights of women and children who become victims. This research aims to comprehensively examine and analyze the role, authority, and law enforcement strategies of Polri investigators in handling human trafficking cases, particularly within the framework of protecting women and children. In addition, this research identifies various structural, cultural, and instrumental obstacles faced by investigators in the field and formulates optimization measures that can be implemented. The research method used is normative legal research with a statutory approach and a conceptual approach. The research findings indicate that Polri investigators, particularly through the Women and Children Service Unit (UPPA), have sought to integrate restorative justice and victim protection approaches into the investigation process. Nevertheless, law enforcement still faces challenges related to complex evidentiary requirements, syndicate operating methods that have shifted into the digital sphere, and psychological barriers among victims suffering from severe trauma. Therefore, optimization is required through enhancing investigators’ capacity in cyber investigations, strengthening synergy with the Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK), and implementing asset-tracing strategies (follow the money) to financially cripple syndicates. Progressive and gender-sensitive law enforcement is absolutely necessary so that legal instruments can truly serve as protective shields for women and children against the threat of human trafficking.