Behind Woman Trafficking for Prostitution in the Truck Base in Batang Indonesia (A Case Study on Local Legal System and Motivation of the Victims of Woman Trafficking)

Abstract

Woman trafficking for prostitution in Batang has increased significantly along with the number of the truck bases built. Women trapped in woman trafficking for prostitution do not occur suddenly, but there are a series of social construction that lie behind them. The study of victim motivation that makes them trapped is interesting to study in the  perspective of symbolic interactionist theory. To analyze this phenomenon, a qualitative research with socio legal approach was used. This paper was about to reveal; why was the legal system of local governments on prostitution eradication ineffective? And why were women trapped in woman trafficking for? The findings and analysis revealed that the three basic elements of legal system (legal structure, legal substance and legal culture) were ineffective because the local government and community used double standards against prostitution. It also revealed that economic factors become the most dominant victims’ motivation. However, behind the victims’ economic motivations, it turned out to be closely related to the understanding on the concept of victim as a helpless person. Self concept as powerless person is utilized by other parties such as family, brokers/ agents and the public to manipulate and exploit their sexuality in prostitution business. The implication was the powerlessness of women can not make them out of the bondage of woman trafficking for prostitution.

Keywords: Woman Trafficking, Local Legal System of Prostitution, Victim’s Economic Motivation