The St. Theresa Shelter Home in Labuan Bajo, Indonesia, provides the only refuge for survivors of sexual violence and domestic abuse in a region experiencing rapid tourism-driven growth. Managed by Holy Spirit Sr. Frederika Tanggu Hana, the facility currently houses 21 people and addresses a rise in exploitation linked to internal migration and limited housing, according to an April 22 report from Global Sisters Report.
How tourism growth impacts local safety
Labuan Bajo, a primary gateway to Komodo National Park, recorded approximately 500,000 visitors in 2025. As the local economy shifts to accommodate tourism through expanded hotels and infrastructure, Sr. Frederika Tanggu Hana—known as Sister Rita—observes that protection for vulnerable residents has not kept pace with development. She reports that young workers migrating for tourism jobs often struggle to find stable housing, leaving them susceptible to exploitation. Sister Rita notes that some teenagers are groomed through promises of work or financial support, a pattern she identified in cases involving minors who were coerced into precarious living arrangements with adult partners.
Why legal support for survivors remains uncertain
Securing justice for survivors is described by Sister Rita as an “exhausting and deeply uncertain” process. As of April, seven cases involving shelter residents are currently in court proceedings. Sister Rita cites significant obstacles in the legal system, including frequent rotation of investigators and the stalling of case files. She points to inconsistent judicial outcomes, such as a case where an individual convicted of raping a 15-year-old received an 18-month sentence, while another abuser was released after four years of a 10-year sentence. Sister Rita states that these delays and sentencing discrepancies act as a form of systemic violence that discourages families from seeking accountability.
What happens next for the diocese and the shelter
The Diocese of Labuan Bajo, established in June 2024, has implemented new safeguarding policies and a response team to manage sexual violence allegations. However, the effectiveness of these measures may face continued scrutiny. Sister Rita has expressed concern regarding a double standard within the church hierarchy, specifically citing a case where a diocesan priest was accused of abuse and later fired by his university in November 2025 without the diocese involving her in the investigation. Moving forward, the shelter is likely to continue its mandate of providing non-denominational support, including skills training and education, to prevent survivors from returning to environments where they remain at risk of further exploitation.
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