Indonesian Ambassador To Thailand: The Repatriation Process Of Hundreds Of Indonesian Citizens From Myanmar Is Not Easy, Operations Are Quiet

Caption: Indonesian Ambassador To Thailand, Rachmat Budiman Uses Nafy/Doc.VOI/Jehan jacket

TANGERANG - The Indonesian Ambassador to Thailand, Rachmat Budiman, admitted that the process of repatriating hundreds of Indonesian citizens (WNI) victims of online scams in Myanmar was not easy. Even so, the process was successfully carried out with a silent operation strategy.

"But getting in there is not easy because it is one of the areas of conflict whose access is difficult even for the central government to enter," said Rachmat Budiman to reporters at Soekarno-Hatta Airport, Tangerang City, Tuesday, March 18.

Budiman explained that the border between Thailand and Myanmar, especially in the Mae Sot area, can still be passed even though the distance looks close. However, the process of entering the Myawaddy area, Myanmar, must be carried out in stages due to the presence of armed groups in the area.

Myawaddy's Condition Is Hard To Break

Myanmar is currently facing civil war, which involves various armed ethnic groups against the government. This makes it difficult for the repatriation of Indonesian citizens trapped there.

"Well, there are some armed ethnic groups there. So when our team enters Myawaddy, the process is carried out in stages by using two buses at every stage," explained Budiman.

Mae Sot's trip to Myawaddy and returned to Mae Sot, and continued to Bangkok, took about eight hours. Thanks to coordination with various parties, this repatriation process can go well.

"During the trip from Mae Sot to Myawaddy, then returned to Mae Sot and continued the journey to Bangkok, which took 8 hours, Alhamdulillah, everything went well due to coordination with various parties there," concluded Budiman.

Silent Operations Based On Presidential Instruction

The Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs (Menko Polkam), Budi Gunawan, revealed that this rescue operation was carried out quietly in accordance with the instructions of the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto.

"I say, we will carry out all these operations quietly on the orders and directions of the President, Mr. Prabowo Subianto," he said.

President Prabowo Subianto is very concerned about the fate of workers who are victims of criminal acts of trafficking in persons (TPPO).

"He really pays attention and cares about the fate of our migrant workers abroad," he added.

The Repatriation Of 554 Indonesian Citizens Is Carried Out Gradually

A total of 554 Indonesian citizens who were victims of online fraud in Myanmar were finally rescued and returned to Indonesia. This repatriation process is carried out in stages considering the large number of victims.

"On March 18, the first flight has landed carrying 200 Indonesian citizens who were victims. Then, the second flight will carry another 200 Indonesian citizens," said Budi Gunawan.