ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA — The Government of Indonesia has successfully repatriated 26 Indonesian citizens trapped in illegal online scam operations in Myawaddy, Myanmar, a region notorious for cyber slavery and human trafficking.
Through the Directorate for the Protection of Indonesian Citizens (PWNI) under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in coordination with the Indonesian Embassies in Yangon and Bangkok, the victims were evacuated across the Thailand–Myanmar border and flown home to Soekarno-Hatta International Airport on Wednesday, October 29, 2025.
Upon arrival, the group was handed over to relevant authorities for follow-up assessment and assistance. Among them, one individual is suspected of acting as a recruiter, while 25 others are confirmed victims of transnational cybercrime syndicates.
The alleged recruiter is currently placed at the BP3MI Banten shelter for investigation by Indonesia’s National Police (Bareskrim), while the victims have been relocated to the Social Affairs Ministry’s RPTC Bambu Apus shelter for psychosocial and legal assessments. The group consists of 22 men and 4 women.
According to official reports, the repatriated citizens had escaped from an illegal scam compound in Myawaddy, where many foreign nationals have been trafficked and forced to work under exploitative conditions.
After intense coordination with the Myanmar and Thai authorities, the group was safely transferred out of the conflict zone and repatriated to Indonesia.
The Indonesian government reaffirmed its commitment to providing full protection and rehabilitation for citizens verified as victims of human trafficking (TPPO) — including psychological recovery, social reintegration, and empowerment programs to help them rebuild their lives.
However, the Ministry stressed that any individual found complicit in criminal acts will be subject to legal prosecution under Indonesian law.
“The protection of Indonesian citizens abroad is a top priority,” said the Foreign Ministry in an official statement.
“Yet public awareness and adherence to legal migration procedures are crucial to prevent exploitation by international syndicates.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs continues to urge Indonesians to verify overseas job offers through official government channels, warning that unverified recruitment schemes often lead to human trafficking, forced labor, and online scam exploitation in high-risk zones like Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos. (AT Network)
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