9 hours ago
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March 18, 2025 | 07:42 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Damanhuri appeared dejected as he stood alongside several other Indonesian citizens. Moments later, clad in a green jacket and blue denim pants, he stepped forward to the podium.
Facing the media, he confidently removed his red mask before speaking with slight hesitation.
"We are immensely grateful for all that has been done for us," Damanhuri said at a press conference at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang on Tuesday, March 18, 2025.
He is one of the 200 Indonesian nationals who have just returned home after falling victim to an online scam in Myawaddy, Myanmar. The group was evacuated by the Indonesian government via Mae Sot, Thailand, and flew from Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok to Indonesia.
Standing next to the Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs, Budi Gunawan, Damanhuri expressed his gratitude to President Prabowo Subianto, Foreign Minister Sugiono, and all government entities who assisted in their repatriation.
With a tearful and emotional voice, the man from West Java couldn't continue his speech. "I can't say anything else," he said.
On that occasion, Damanhuri also reminded all Indonesian citizens to be vigilant when considering job offers abroad to prevent falling prey to scams.
"Be careful who you connect with on social media. We became victims after being approached by unverified job recruiters," he warned.
Similarly, EG, another victim of the online scam, also reminded people to be cautious when receiving job offers abroad, including ensuring the legitimacy of labor supply agencies.
"Don't end up like us, falling victim to fraud," said EG.
Damanhuri and EG's entourage arrived at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport on Tuesday at 9:00. They were welcomed by Budi Gunawan and Sugiono.
Also present on the occasion were Minister of Women Empowerment and Child Protection, Arifatul Choiri Fauzi, Minister of Migrant Worker Protection, Abdul Kadir Karding, and Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Bima Arya Sugiarto.
In a live broadcast, these figures were seen shaking hands and conversing with the Indonesian citizens who had just disembarked from the Lion Air plane. One notable moment was when Sugiono hugged and chatted with the Indonesian citizens.
Another group of 200 Indonesian citizens from the second batch arrived later that day at 11:00 AM. Meanwhile, 154 others are scheduled to land in Indonesia on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, while 10 remain detained in Myawaddy.
Those who have returned will temporarily stay at the Haji Pondok Gede Hostel for three days, where they will receive medical assistance, including psychological support, under the supervision of the Ministry of Social Affairs.
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