IPB University Expert Reveals Psychological and Social Impact of Baby Selling Syndicate
The rise of baby selling syndicates in Indonesia has drawn the attention of academics. Chairperson of the Center for Gender and Child Studies (PKGA) IPB University, Dr Yulina Eva Riany, revealed the serious psychological and social impacts on victims, both children and their parents.
According to Dr Yulina, children who are victims of baby selling are at risk of experiencing an identity crisis due to the loss of information about their biological family. This can make it difficult for them to understand their origins and form a self-identity, especially when entering adolescence to early adulthood.
“In Erikson’s social development theory, adolescence is a crucial phase of identity formation. When they do not know who they are and where they come from, teenagers will experience deep confusion that has a long-term impact,” she said in Bogor, Tuesday (8/5).
Furthermore, she explained that unclear origins can also trigger feelings of emptiness, a low sense of belonging, and difficulty establishing intimate relationships. In the context of Indonesian culture, which strongly emphasizes lineage, these children can experience stigma and discrimination, especially in the process of marriage or legal registration.
Dr Yulina also highlighted the potential trauma experienced by the victim’s parents. “Forced child loss can trigger guilt, severe stress, and psychiatric disorders such as depression and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD),” she explained.
She added that poor economic conditions are often a major factor in parents falling into the syndicate network.
Citing Attachment Theory by Bowlby and Ainsworth, Dr Yulina said the separation of infants from biological parents can disrupt the formation of secure emotional bonds (secure attachment). As a result, these children are more vulnerable to emotional distress and developmental trauma.
“Children who change hands several times are at risk of exploitation, violence, and becoming other victims of human trafficking,” she said.
To address this issue, Dr Yulina emphasized the importance of cross-sector collaboration, including law enforcement, social institutions, health, as well as the National Commission on Child Protection (Komnas PA) and the Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI).
She also encouraged the use of digital technology, such as an integrated birth registration system and biometric verification, to prevent falsification of baby identities.
In addition, she suggested cooperation with international organizations such as UNICEF and the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) to track down cross-border syndicates. Law enforcement should also be child-sensitive justice-based, and supported by trauma-informed psychosocial rehabilitation services.
Dr Yulina also underlined the importance of the community’s role in preventing baby trafficking through the concept of community-based child protection (CBCP). The community, she said, should be involved in early detection of suspicious practices, legal education, and building local-based child protection networks.
“Religious leaders, posyandu cadres, and Family Welfare Empowerment (PKK) can be at the forefront. They can help detect indications of illegal adoptions and unauthorized birthing clinic activities,” she added.
She also emphasized the importance of continuous public campaigns through social media, television, and school and family-based education. Materials related to children’s rights and the dangers of human trafficking need to be included in curricula and parenting programs.
“Local and religious values must be mobilized to form collective awareness. Family and community are the first bulwark against this syndicate,” she emphasized.
Dr Yulina added that preventive efforts should include parenting education, economic support for vulnerable families, and the establishment of early warning system networks at the RT/RW level. She also highlighted the role of groups such as PKK, posyandu, and karang taruna in creating an effective informal protection system. (dh) (IAAS/KQA)
