The Ministry Of Foreign Affairs Asks The Public To Be Proactive In Their Self-awareness To Prevent Fraud Abroad, Mr. Jokowi. Where Is The Role Of The Government To Prevent Us From Being Deceived?

Director of Protection of Indonesian Citizens and BHI of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia Judha Nugraha in a Media Briefing of the Directorate of Protection of Indonesian Citizens of the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Jakarta, Friday (29-7-2022). ANTARA/Katriana

JAKARTA - The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs says public awareness is the key to preventing fraud through offers to work abroad.

"So the public's awareness to be able to protect themselves with a number of steps is key for us," said the Director of Protection for Indonesian Citizens and BHI at the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Judha Nugraha, as quoted by ANTARA, Friday, July 29.

Judha's statement was related to the case of holding 60 Indonesian citizens who were victims of fraud by a fake investment company in Sihanoukville, Cambodia.

Judha explained that fraud cases in fake investment companies are becoming more frequent because of the many job offers in Cambodia through social media.

In 2021, the Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh has successfully handled and repatriated 119 Indonesian citizens who were victims of fraudulent investments.

However, this year, similar cases have actually increased. As of July 2022, there were 291 Indonesian citizens who became victims, with 133 of them having been successfully repatriated.

Therefore, Judha appealed to the public to be careful of various kinds of job offers abroad.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs through Judha said that there are several modes that need public attention to remain careful with the offer, among others, the job offer through social media.

The offer, he continued, also tends to promise a fantastic salary and does not ask for qualifications to be able to work abroad.

"It's strange, working abroad but not asking for any qualifications," he said.

Next, companies that commit fraud also cannot be checked for credibility. They are often dispatched on incorrect work visas or on visa-free use.

Therefore, Judha asked the public not to take risks when they find out that the offer to work abroad is not credible.

"So, if you find some of these modes, be careful and don't force yourself to leave," said Judha.