Ministry Of Foreign Affairs Returns 17 Indonesian Citizens Victims Of Trafficking In Myanmar

Illustration of the "Stop TIP" campaign to reject trafficking in persons. BETWEEN PHOTOS/Kornelis Kaha/aa.

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has repatriated 17 Indonesian citizens (WNI) who were victims of a criminal act of trafficking in persons (TPPO) in the Myawaddy conflict area, Myanmar.

This is the second wave of repatriation of a total of 26 Indonesian citizens who were victims of trafficking in persons employed to commit online scam fraud in Myanmar.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs had previously repatriated nine Indonesian citizens to the country on August 4, quoted by ANTARA from a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Monday, August 14.

The Indonesian citizens were smuggled into Myanmar from Thailand around November 6 December 3, 2022. While in Myanmar, they were exploited in companies that employed them as an online scammer in the Myawaddy conflict area, the statement said.

The Indonesian Embassy in Yangon then coordinated with local authorities until the Indonesian citizens finally left the company. They were then picked up to be accommodated at the Indonesian Embassy. After being examined by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) of Myanmar, the 17 Indonesian citizens were identified as victims of trafficking in persons.

The 17 Indonesian citizens consist of three women and 14 men. They come from various regions such as South Sumatra, DKI Jakarta, West Java, and West Kalimantan.

Upon arrival at the airport, the Indonesian citizen will then be accommodated at the Ministry of Social Affairs' Protection and Trauma Center (RPTC) in Bambu Apus, Jakarta to undergo rehabilitation before being sent back to their respective areas.

The Indonesian Embassy in Yangon noted that at least 24 Indonesian citizens were being explored and employed in the Myawaddy area, Myanmar to commit online fraud.

The Indonesian Embassy stated that it would try to deal with all incoming complaints amid limited information and political sensitivity in Myanmar. The Indonesian government also continues to urge the Indonesian people to be careful in accepting job offers that lead to the trap of exploiting online scamming companies. The approach to prevention and law enforcement remains a priority for the Indonesian government in handling cases of trafficking in persons," the statement said.