BLITAR – A suspected child trafficking case involving a 14-year-old girl in Blitar has drawn serious attention from local authorities, who are now focusing on the victim’s mental recovery and access to education.
The teenage victim, identified only as H, comes from Sananwetan District. Officials from the Blitar City administration have coordinated assistance efforts through several agencies following allegations that the girl became a victim of prostitution exploitation.
Mujianto, head of the Women’s Empowerment, Child Protection, Population Control, and Family Planning Agency, said his office continues monitoring the case alongside the Women and Children Protection Unit.
According to officials, the teenager currently does not attend school. Authorities now want to help her return to education as part of the recovery process.
“We are coordinating with the Education Office so the child can return to school. That is our first target in this assistance process,” Mujianto said on Monday.
He explained that the case may reflect a broader social problem involving vulnerable children and weak family supervision. According to him, the victim reportedly had a strained relationship with her parents and lived with her grandmother.
“This may relate to family caregiving that was not optimal. Cases like this can happen anywhere if supervision becomes weak,” he said.
Local authorities also prepared psychological support for the teenager. Officials plan to provide counseling and trauma recovery services depending on the victim’s mental condition.
“If necessary, we will involve psychologists, especially child specialists. For now, we continue providing assistance first,” Mujianto added.
The agency has handed the criminal investigation fully to police investigators at the Blitar City Police Department. Authorities continue monitoring the legal process while ensuring the victim receives protection under Indonesian child protection regulations.
Meanwhile, Dindin Alinurdin said the Education Office would support the victim’s return to learning.
The agency plans to provide access through formal or non-formal education programs based on the teenager’s preferences and psychological readiness.
“The Education Office has a responsibility to address cases involving children who leave school. We will facilitate her return to education,” Dindin said.
Police uncovered the case after the victim’s father, identified as DK, became suspicious when his daughter returned home after being away for an extended period.
Inside her bag, he reportedly found Rp500,000 in cash and several packs of cigarettes. The teenager initially claimed she had worked at a local food stall.
However, she later admitted that a suspected pimp identified as M had exploited her at a rented room in Sananwetan District. The victim’s family then reported the case to police, leading officers to arrest the suspect.
Authorities now continue investigating the alleged child trafficking network while social agencies focus on protecting the victim’s mental health and future education.