atholic humanitarian organization Caritas Indonesia established Sentrum Caritas in Batam, Riau Islands, as a vocational training center and migrant worker information center to strengthen protection for migrant workers and fight against human trafficking.
The Sentrum Caritas building at St. Theresia shelter in Sekupang was officiated on May 29 by acting Batam Mayor Li Claudia Chandra and the Indonesian Bishop’s Conference (KWI) chairman Mgr. Antonius Subianto Bunjamin, OSC.
A cross-sectoral workshop focusing on the roles of training centers to support safe migration was held in conjunction with the officiating ceremony. The workshop emphasized collaboration among regional administrations, law enforcement agencies, maritime security authorities and religious organizations in cutting human trafficking chain links.
Li, who is also Batam vice mayor, said that Batam’s very strategic position as an international gateway brings huge challenges, especially related to illegal migrant workers and violence against women and children.
“The presence of the vocational training center information center is a concrete and strategic step,” said Li, who is temporarily replacing Batam Mayor Amsakar Achmad who is currently on the haj pilgrimage.
“The city administration welcomes and appreciates Caritas Indonesia which participates in providing protection and solutions for the society.”
Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning.
She hoped that through this collaboration, interagency coordination would be strengthened in reducing the number of crimes against humanity in Batam.
