The Implementation of Article 7 of the Palermo Protocol in Law Number 21 of 2007: An Analysis of the Compatibility of International Legal Norms with the Protection of Victims of Human Trafficking in Indonesia

Human trafficking constitutes a form of transnational organized crime that results in serious violations of human rights and places victims in highly vulnerable positions, both physically, psychologically, and legally. Within the framework of international law, the Palermo Protocol serves as the principal legal instrument that promotes a victim-centered approach, one of which is reflected in Article 7, which regulates the protection of victims’ legal status, including the possibility of granting temporary or permanent residence permits in the receiving State. As a State Party, Indonesia has adopted this commitment through Law Number 21 of 2007 on the Eradication of the Crime of Human Trafficking. This article aims to analyze the regulation of victim protection under Article 7 of the Palermo Protocol, examine its implementation within Law Number 21 of 2007, and identify normative gaps between international law and national law in the protection of victims of human trafficking. This research employs a normative juridical method using statutory and conceptual approaches by examining international legal instruments, national legislation, and relevant legal literature. The findings indicate that Law Number 21 of 2007 has generally adopted the principles of victim protection; however, it has not explicitly regulated the protection of victims’ legal status as mandated by Article 7 of the Palermo Protocol. This normative gap potentially results in legal uncertainty and increases the risk of secondary victimization of victims of human trafficking. Therefore, regulatory harmonization is necessary to strengthen victim protection based on human rights principles and in accordance with international legal standards.