Wounding or healing: the ambivalent role of religion in coping mechanisms of victims of human trafficking

Human trafficking remains a significant issue in Indonesia, with East Nusa Tenggara being one of the provinces in Eastern Indonesia, reporting a notably high incidence of human trafficking cases. This study applied a lived religion approach to analyse the role of religion in the experiences of suffering and coping mechanisms among human trafficking victims. Data collection took place on Timor Island in East Nusa Tenggara province, where narratives were gathered through in-depth interviews with 19 human trafficking victims. Data analysis employed grounded theory methodology consisting of coding, conceptual categorization, and thematic interpretation to formulate a theory. This study found that religion significantly influences the entire coping process, encompassing events, coping strategies, meaning-making, and post-traumatic growth. The findings indicate that religion plays an ambivalent role, offering both positive and negative influences at various stages of coping. This research advocates for transformative Christian education as a response to human trafficking. As a contribution to human trafficking studies, this research provides evidence that human trafficking in East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, exists and has profound impacts on victims, families, and communities. Understanding trauma and healing in the human trafficking context necessitates a comprehensive approach. For religious studies, this research emphasizes the importance of critically analysing religion’s role in the context of human trafficking.