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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.
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