OUR STORY & MISSION
The Journey To Freedom: PEARL’S Mission Against Human Trafficking
Every person deserves dignity, safety, and freedom. Since 2009, PEARL has been working to make this a reality in Indonesia by preventing exploitation and actively restoring lives.
THE BEGINNING OF OUR JOURNEY
In 2009, three American women living in Central Java, Indonesia, began investigating why HIV was so prevalent in their small town.
Their research quickly uncovered a disturbing reality: human trafficking—both labor and sex trafficking—was flourishing in what they had believed was their "safe" community.
As these women engaged in conversations with local residents about what they were learning, they heard the same response again and again: "If you want to address this evil, I want to join you."
What began as a simple inquiry became a calling. These women and their new friends found themselves facing a harsh truth—they knew too much to remain silent. They felt compelled to warn their neighbors and protect their community.
Their initial efforts were modest but determined. Using simple flip chart presentations, they began raising awareness about the dangers of trafficking. Each presentation led to new connections, more conversations, and a growing network of concerned community members ready to take action.
From these humble beginnings, PEARL continued to evolve, responding to each new need that presented itself. What started as awareness presentations expanded into community outreach, survivor support, skills training, and youth education—all guided by a vision of an Indonesia free from human trafficking.
OUR VISION
An Indonesia Free From Human Trafficking
We envision a country where every person lives with dignity, security, and freedom.
Where vulnerable communities are empowered, educated, and equipped to protect themselves and their children. Where survivors find healing, restoration, and hope for a new future.
OUR MISSION
Prevent, save & restore each person who is vulnerable to become a victim or who is a survivor of human trafficking.
PEARL recognizes both labor and sex trafficking as horrors in the world today. We address the complex issues that plague our society and make people vulnerable, deceived, and entrapped in such horror.
→ WHAT OUR NAME MEANS
PESAN is an acronym for Peduli Setiap Insan which means "Caring for Each Person." It is the official umbrella organization over PEARL.
PEARL is an acronym in both English and Indonesian: Preventing Exploitation Actively Restoring Lives / Pencegahan Eksploitasi Anak/perempuan Rehabilitasi Lingkup kehidupan.
Like a pearl that forms around an irritant in an oyster, creating something beautiful from something painful, PEARL works to transform pain into beauty, trauma into healing, and vulnerability into strength.
Why have one motto when you can have two! Our mottos are, "...because everyone has value!” and “Everyone deserves Freedom!" These capture the heart of why we do what we do.
Our Journey So Far
In 2018, after years of grassroots work, the activists formalized their efforts by establishing an official Indonesian social organization named PESAN (PEduli Setiap InsAN), meaning "Caring for Every Person."
PESAN is fully owned and operated by Indonesians, supported by consultation and some financial assistance from international partners.
Through the years, PESAN/PEARL has evolved through many phases of work and projects. Each activity is carefully evaluated through the lens of our mission and vision, ensuring that every effort contributes meaningfully to our goal of ending human trafficking.
One of our most significant achievements came between 2020-2024, when we established an aftercare restoration residential home for minor girls who are victims of sex trafficking. "New Beginnings" has now grown into its own organization, and we are proud to have played a vital role in launching this essential resource.
Today, PEARL continues to be involved in both prevention and aftercare, while also strengthening other organizations in the trafficking sector. We conduct human trafficking education and public awareness campaigns, mentor survivors and their families, build relationships in vulnerable communities, provide skills training, strengthen children and youth through various means, and partner with government agencies and like-minded organizations.
OUR VISION FOR THE FUTURE
As We Look To The Future, PEARL Has Several Dreams We Are Working To Realize:
→ A temporary safe house for high-risk individuals:
A safe haven for those in immediate danger of exploitation or trafficking
→ Developing a for-profit business for long-term sustainability
Building financial independence for PEARL to ensure our work can continue regardless of fluctuations in donations
→ Expanding business training for vulnerable individuals and families:
Our NEXT LEVEL - PEARL Learning Space, will provide micro-business training to empower vulnerable people with economic independence
We believe that by addressing both immediate needs through rescue and aftercare, and long-term vulnerabilities through education and economic empowerment, we can create lasting change in Indonesia. Our approach is holistic, recognizing that human trafficking requires comprehensive solutions that address its complex root causes.
Join Us In Writing The Next Chapter
The story of PEARL is still being written, and you can be part of it.
Whether through volunteering, donating, partnering, or simply spreading awareness, your contribution makes a difference in the fight against human trafficking in Indonesia.
Every time a vulnerable child learns to recognize trafficking tactics, every time a survivor rebuilds their life with new skills, every time a community becomes empowered to protect its members—these are victories we share with everyone who supports our mission.
Join us in preventing exploitation and actively restoring lives.
