75 Indonesian Citizens Escape From The Scam Complex In Myawaddy, Indonesian Embassy Ensures Safety And Efforts To Evacuate

The Indonesian Embassy in Yangon, Myanmar. (Source: Indonesian Embassy in Yangon)

The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia (KBRI) in Yangon, Myanmar continues to closely monitor the development of the situation in the KK Park area, Myawaddy, Kayin State, following reports of the escape of hundreds of foreign nationals (WNA) from the complex on Wednesday.

More than 300 foreigners, including about 75 Indonesian citizens (WNI), fled from the KK Park Complex known as one of the areas managed by the Border Guard Force (BGF) group and became the location of online scam/juddy activities on Wednesday morning local time.

Based on local media reports and field sources, the mass escape measures came after the Myanmar military (Tatmadaw) prepared to carry out raids on the area in question.

The Indonesian Embassy in Yangon has received direct information from one of the Indonesian citizens at the location which states that the condition of the Indonesian citizens varies. Some are still in the KK Park area, while others have left for the area around Myawaddy "Shwe Kokko to find a safe place," reported a statement from the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Thursday, October 23.

As of Wednesday night, the Indonesian Embassy in Yangon has also received confirmation from the Indonesian Embassy in Bangkok, Thai authorities reported that around 20 Indonesian citizens had succeeded in crossing into Thai territory through the Moei River.

Their identity and condition data is currently being verified with relevant authorities in Mae Sot, Thailand.

The Indonesian Embassy in Yangon itself continues to coordinate closely with the Indonesian Embassy in Bangkok and communicate with local authorities in Myanmar, including through local contact networks and humanitarian agencies in the Kayin State region, to ensure the safety of all Indonesian citizens and seek safe and monitored humanitarian routes for the evacuation process.

The Indonesian Embassy appealed to all Indonesian citizens not to be easily tempted by job offers abroad that are unofficial and do not visit conflict areas or areas prone to cyber crime and human trafficking such as Myawaddy and Shwe Kokko.

"The Indonesian government will continue to oversee every step of protecting and repatriating Indonesian citizens from the area," said a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.