Catholic priests, nuns, seminarians, and human rights activists in Indonesia’s East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) province are urging authorities to investigate alleged human trafficking and exploitation at a nightclub in Sikka Regency on Flores Island.
The Sikka Human Rights Network (Jaringan HAM Sikka) led a protest on February 9 at the local legislative council (DPRD), calling for firm legal action against Pub Eltras in Maumere.
Thirteen Women Seek Protection
In January 2026, 13 young women from West Java — aged 17 to 26 — sought protection after allegedly suffering physical violence, sexual exploitation, and severe labor abuses at the nightclub.
One of the victims was reportedly recruited at age 15, with her birth documents allegedly falsified to meet legal employment requirements.
According to the coalition, the women were recruited between 2023 and 2025 with promises of monthly salaries of 8–10 million rupiah (US$480–600), free accommodation, clothing, and beauty products. Instead, they allegedly received around 1 million rupiah (US$60) per month after heavy deductions and fines.
They were reportedly required to pay rent for their lodging, restricted from leaving the premises, and subjected to penalties for refusing sexual services, arguing with management, or minor infractions. Some were allegedly forced to serve male guests overnight, contrary to the terms initially promised.
One victim, speaking anonymously, said she was physically assaulted, including being punched by a police officer who was a customer. Others reported being slapped, choked, dragged, spat upon, and verbally humiliated.
Cry for Help and Alleged Trafficking Violations
Tensions reached a breaking point on January 20 when the women sent a WhatsApp message to Sister Ika, SSpS, describing intense fear, psychological distress, and ongoing abuse. They pleaded for police intervention.
The Flores Humanitarian Volunteer Team (TRUK-F) alerted authorities, and the women were later removed from the establishment. However, during initial police questioning, activists allege that nightclub management attempted to pressure victims into giving false testimony.
Jaringan HAM Sikka said preliminary findings indicate elements of Indonesia’s Anti-Trafficking Law (Law No. 21/2007) and provisions of the new Criminal Code (Law No. 1/2023).
The coalition cited deceptive recruitment, abuse of vulnerable positions, alleged document falsification, and economic and sexual exploitation as indicators of trafficking.
“If proven, this constitutes modern slavery,” the coalition stated.
Church Leaders Speak Out
Father Otto Gusti Madung, SVD rector of the Ledalero Institute of Philosophy and Creative Technology, joined the protest and urged authorities to act decisively.
“The state must not be defeated by entrepreneurs hiding behind the label of the entertainment industry while exploiting human beings,” he said.
The coalition — which includes TRUK-F, the Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) commissions of the SSpS and SVD congregations, and student bodies from IFTK Ledalero and UNIPA — is demanding:
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A new local regulation ensuring human rights safeguards for entertainment venues
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A comprehensive audit of nightlife businesses in Sikka
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The formation of a special task force to investigate the case
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Legal prosecution of those involved
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Protection and welfare support for the 13 victims
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Compensation through Indonesia’s Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK)
“Keadilan harus ditegakkan sekalipun langit runtuh — Justice must be upheld even if the heavens fall,” the coalition declared.
A Wider Concern
The case has renewed attention on trafficking in East Nusa Tenggara, identified by Indonesia’s National Human Rights Commission as a trafficking hotspot due to poverty and limited job opportunities.
Provincial police recorded 256 trafficking cases in 2023, though rights groups believe many more remain unreported.
The case has also sparked debate within the local Church after a priest-lawyer joined the nightclub’s legal defense, emphasizing due process and cautioning against premature conclusions.
Activists say they will continue accompanying the victims until justice is served.
“We will continue to monitor this case until the victims’ rights are restored and those responsible are held accountable,” the coalition affirmed.
