12 Indonesian Citizens From Sukabumi Victims Of Online Gambling Syndicate Confinement In Myanmar Successfully Released

JAKARTA - A total of 12 Indonesian citizens (WNI) from Sukabumi who experienced confinement by online gambling companies in Myawaddy, Myanmar, which is a conflict area.

The release was carried out by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemenlu) through the Indonesian Embassy in Yangon and the Indonesian Embassy in Bangkok.

In a written statement on Tuesday, reported by ANTARA, the victims of the confinement in Myanmar had already been dispatched to Thailand on Tuesday at 16.00 local time. In Thailand, they will undergo an immigration process according to the applicable regulations.

Initially, the victims of this confinement headed to Thailand in March-July. They were promised to work in Thailand. However, they were forced to work as online scammers and online gambling and were also held captive. Their physical violence is also experienced in confinement.

In addition, their cellphones were also detained, causing them to find it difficult to communicate with outsiders. However, there were several people among them who managed to inform the Indonesian Embassy in Yangon of their whereabouts.

In August 2024, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has received complaints from victims. Through the Indonesian Embassy in Yangon, the Government of Indonesia delivered a diplomatic note, coordinated with authorities in Myanmar, communicated with local Myawaddy and established bilateral cooperation with various related parties.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has succeeded in removing 65 Indonesian citizens from the Myawaddy area. Currently, there are still 69 Indonesian citizens who are being tried to get out of the area.