Puan Asks Commission IX, I And III To Specially Monitor Indonesian Citizen Cases In Myanmar

The victim's cousin Daniel (39) recounted that Hendri initially became a victim of TIP/ Photo: Jehan/VOI

JAKARTA - An Indonesian citizen (WNI) was held captive and persecuted in Myanmar while planning to go to Thailand to find work. DPR Speaker Puan Maharani urged the government and security forces to immediately rescue the Indonesian citizen from South Jakarta (South Jakarta).

"The government together with the police and related agencies must immediately rescue our citizens who are being held hostage in Myanmar. The safety of victims must be a priority," said Puan, Tuesday, August 13.

This case began with a report from the victim's family to the Directorate of General Crimes at Bareskrim Polri. The victim with the initials SA (27) was known to have initially been invited by his friend, Risky, to work in Thailand with the lure of a salary of 10,000 US dollars or Rp 150 million. Referred to the large salary, SA and Risky finally flew to Thailand on July 11, 2024.

In Bangkok, Thailand, the two met four residents of Indian descent and joined in one car. However, in the middle of the trip, SA and Risky separated. SA was apparently brought to Myanmar and is suspected of being a victim of a criminal act of trafficking in persons (TPPO).

The family report was then followed up by the Criminal Investigation Unit TIP Task Force in which the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemenlu) has also coordinated with the Myanmar authorities. Puan hopes that the victim can be evacuated immediately considering that SA is being held captive in the Myawaddy area which is difficult to reach because it is controlled by armed groups.

This should be a serious concern, because the conditions and situations are quite dangerous. Cooperation with the Government and the Myanmar security authorities must be optimized so that victims can be evacuated immediately," said Puan.

Referring to SA's family statement, the victim was given a cellphone (HP) to contact his family in Indonesia. SA's family was also contacted and asked for a ransom of Rp. 478 million. The family is threatened with giving a ransom so that SA can go home safely. The family admitted that they had sent money because SA was held captive and tortured by the perpetrators.

According to SA, he could not speak freely with his family. SA also admitted that he was tortured by a group of people so that he was not fed and drank. He even stated that he was beaten with a baseball bat.

According to Puan, TIP cases like this have often occurred and have hit many Indonesian citizens. The government is asked to seriously deal with crimes of trafficking in persons because TIP cases have often been repeated.

"The TIP case is like an iceberg genome, one that looks but actually many have become victims," said Puan.

The former Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture also encouraged the government and the police to immediately find a way out so that TIP cases like this do not happen again. According to Puan, there needs to be an evaluation from the government to find the root cause of the TIP crime.

"We must be able to find the root cause of the problem so that we can find a solution from upstream to downstream," he said.

Puan ensured that the DPR would oversee this issue. She asked Commission IX of the DPR to take care of employment issues, Commission I of the DPR regarding international relations and Commission III of the DPR in terms of law enforcement, to specifically monitor the case until the victim can return to the country safely.

In various international forums and bilateral meetings with parliamentary countries that often occur in TIP cases, Puan often highlights the large number of Indonesian citizens who are victims of trafficking in persons. The DPR is collaborating with a number of friendly parliaments to help overcome the TIP problem against Indonesian citizens.

"I hope that with good cooperation and collaboration we can solve the TIP problem and no more Indonesian citizens will become victims," said Puan.

Puan also advised the public not to be tempted by the promise of large income to work abroad without clarity. He said there was nothing wrong with working abroad, but had to go through official channels.

If you want to work abroad, people can seek information through official sources. Including the terms and conditions must also be in accordance with the rules. Although it may be a bit of a hassle, this is for security and safety," said Puan.

Data from the National Police states that 698 Indonesian citizens have been victims of TIP abroad since January-July 2024. Meanwhile, in 2023 the number reached 3,366 people. The areas most affected by TIP cases are the Riau Islands, North Kalimantan, and West Java.

Puan encouraged the Government to intensify education to the public regarding the TIP case and the modes that are often carried out so that no more deceived people.

"Improving socialization and education, especially in areas that are often targeted by perpetrators of TIP crimes," explained Bung Karno's grandson.

"The government must provide education to the public regarding the TIP mode so that our citizens are more careful when deciding to accept job offers abroad," concluded Puan.