PRAKTIK MODERN SLAVERY ATAS TEMUAN KERANGKENG MANUSIA DI KABUPATEN LANGKAT

Abstrak

This scientific paper aims to examine the phenomenon of the discovery of human cages in Langkat Regency from the perspective of Legal Positivism and Human Rights (HR). The case originated from the revelation of modern slavery practices linked to corruption allegations involving the Regent of Langkat for the 2019–2024 period, Terbit Rencana Perangin Angin. This research employs a normative juridical method with a case study approach, analysing the gap between actual practices and Indonesia’s positive law, particularly Law Number 35 of 2009 on Narcotics and Minister of Social Affairs Regulation Number 9 of 2017. The analysis focuses on how regulations intended to protect individual rights were disregarded through unlawful detention and exploitation. Moreover, the human rights analysis applies Immanuel Kant’s theory, highlighting violations of autonomy, human dignity, and universal moral principles, in which victims were treated merely as means rather than as ends in themselves. The findings reveal that the existence of human cages in Langkat constitutes a blatant form of abuse of power, violating both positive law and humanitarian values. This violation is not only classified as a criminal offence but also as a crime against humanity. The study concludes that the Langkat case reflects the weakness of law enforcement and oversight mechanisms concerning human rights violations in Indonesia. It emphasises the urgency of policy reform and the implementation of a human rights-based legal approach to prevent similar occurrences in the future.