Medan (ANTARA) - Indonesian lawmakers have urged stronger public outreach and tighter oversight to prevent human trafficking in North Sumatra, particularly involving illegal overseas employment.
Deputy Chair of House of Representatives' Commission XIII Rinto Subekti said all stakeholders — Parliament, Immigration Ministry, and local governments — must work together to raise public awareness.
“People need to understand legal procedures before working abroad to avoid becoming undocumented migrants or trafficking victims,” Rinto said during a visit to the North Sumatra Immigration Office here on Thursday.
He noted that immigration authorities have established "foster villages" to educate residents on passport and visa procedures for overseas work.
“These villages are crucial for ensuring people go abroad through legal channels,” he said.
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Commission member Maruli Siahaan said trafficking cases in the region must not be repeated and called for stricter passport enforcement.
“Cross-sector supervision is needed — involving immigration, police, and local authorities — to prevent trafficking,” he added.
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Other lawmakers present during the visit included Rapidin Simbolon, Samsul Bahri Tiyong, Yan Parmenas Mandenas, Elpisina, Hamid Noor Yasin, Edison Sitorus, Raja Faisala Manganju Sitorus, and Teuku Ibrahim.