4 hours ago
7
March 18, 2025 | 08:33 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The International Organization for Migration (IOM) Indonesia supported the repatriation of hundreds of Indonesian citizens who fell victim to online scam trafficking operations in Myanmar. This effort comes amid a surge in human trafficking across Southeast Asia, where victims are lured by false job offers and forced into conducting online scams under brutal conditions.
According to a press release received today, the recent crackdown on trafficking rings in Myanmar's border regions revealed a staggering number of victims, with over 7,000 individuals from various countries requiring immediate assistance. Among them were 554 Indonesians, who were deceived by fraudulent online recruitment schemes and subjected to harrowing experiences.
The sheer volume of victims presented significant screening challenges, underscoring the necessity for international cooperation.
The Indonesian government, led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Coordinating Ministry of Politics and Security, launched a humanitarian response. This initiative, supported by various ministries and agencies, including the IOM, aimed to bring the victims home safely.
Two flights successfully repatriated the first 400 victims, with the remaining 154 scheduled to return on March 19.
The first group of victims of online scam trafficking operations arrived in the country, welcomed by ministers, at Terminal 3 VVIP Soekarno-Hatta Airport, Tangerang, Banten, March 18, 2025. Doc. IOM Indonesia
"During their time working for the online scamming syndicates, Indonesian victims faced intense pressure and physical violence, including beatings and electric shocks. They were also threatened with organ harvesting if they failed to meet the targets set by their captors," Minister of Politics and Security Budy Gunawan said during a press conference held to welcome the first batch of returnees today, March 18, as quoted from the press release.
The IOM's involvement extended beyond logistical support. Eny Rofiatul Ngazizah, Head of the IOM Counter Trafficking Unit, highlighted the organization's efforts in capacity building in the same press release. "IOM provided specialized training sessions for Indonesian Embassy staff in Thailand in late February, enhancing their capacity to identify and support trafficking victims," she explained.
Furthermore, IOM facilitated a temporary shelter for the returnees in Jakarta, working closely with the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Social Affairs to provide essential care and follow-up assistance. This support aims to facilitate the reintegration of the returning victims into the society.
Editor's Choice: Online Scam Victims Urge Caution Over Social Media Connections, Job Offers
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Online Scam Victims Urge Caution Over Social Media Connections, Job Offers
1 jam lalu
Scam victims will receive medical assistance, including psychological support, under the supervision of the Ministry of Social Affairs.
Myanmar Online Scam: Indonesian Victims Recount Torture, Organ Harvesting Threats
2 jam lalu
On Tuesday, March 18, 2025, 400 Indonesians targeted by online scams in Myawaddy arrived at Soekarno-Hatta Airport in Tangerang.
Indonesian Scam Victims in Myanmar Face Torture, Organ Trafficking Threats
4 jam lalu
Indonesian scam victims who failed to meet their work targets were subjected to torture, including beatings and electric shocks.
Indonesia to Question More than 500 Citizens Freed from Myanmar Scam Centers
5 jam lalu
Myanmar's Myawaddy scam centers are part of a Southeast Asia network involving criminal gangs trafficking hundreds of thousands of people.
Indonesian Scam Victims Return from Myanmar, Foreign Minister Speaks on Tricky Rescue Efforts
6 jam lalu
Foreign Minister Sugiono welcomes the arrival of Indonesian citizens who fell victim to an online scam in Myanmar
Gov't Promises Aid for 400 Scam Victims Arriving in Indonesia from Myanmar
8 jam lalu
The government will provide medical, including psychological, services to aid in the recovery of these online scam victims.
400 Indonesian Victims of Online Scam Exploitation Rescued from Myanmar
11 jam lalu
The 400 Indonesian nationals who fell victim to online scam exploitation consist of 313 men and 87 women. All of them are in good health.
Thailand Vows to Help Repatriate Indonesian Human Trafficking Victims from Myanmar Border
4 hari lalu
Foreign Minister Sugiono and the Thai Ambassador to Indonesia met to discuss various matters, including the repatriation of Indonesians trapped in human trafficking at the border with Myanmar.
UN Migration Agency Says Aid to Rohingya in Indonesia Reinstated
7 hari lalu
The United Nations' migration agency has reinstated humanitarian assistance to Rohingya refugees in Indonesia.
UN Food Agency Seeks Urgent Funding to Avoid Aid Cuts to Rohingya
10 hari lalu
Reuters reported on Wednesday that the United Nations would have to cut food rations to Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh.
