TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is currently collaborating with Myanmar authorities to secure the release of Suhendri Arsiansyah, a 27-year-old Indonesian citizen who was kidnapped in Myanmar. Suhendri had been lured to Myanmar under pretenses of a job offer that promised a salary of Rp150 million.

“We are still coordinating with Myanmar authorities. The area [where Suhendri is kidnapped] is a conflict area, so the process is complex,” said Rina Komaria, a Young Diplomat of the Directorate of Indonesian Citizen Protection, as reported by Antara.

Rina confirmed that the ministry has received a complaint report concerning the case, which is now being handled by the Indonesian Embassy in Yangon, Myanmar. Due to the area being controlled by armed groups, it is difficult to repatriate Indonesian citizens from the Myawaddy area. “The Myanmar authorities themselves are unable to reach him,” she added.

According to the victim's family, Suhendri is not only tortured and held captive, but a ransom of Rp478 million is also being demanded for his release. “[The captors] ask for around Rp18 million to ease his suffering,” said Daniel, the victim's cousin.

Suhendri's ordeal began in July when he was lured by a friend named Risky to work in Thailand with a promised salary of US$10,000 or Rp150 million. Suhendri and Risky left together on July 11, 2024.

Upon arrival in Bangkok, Suhendri was separated from his friend and taken to Myanmar against his will. The victim's family has reported the incident to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Agency for the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers (BP2MI), and the Metro Jaya Police.

The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs appealed to the public to be cautious of online scams, especially those disguised as job offers abroad, to combat human trafficking. The Directorate for the Indonesian Citizen Protection recorded 2,199 cases of online fraud targeting Indonesian citizens between 2020 and May 2023.

ANTARA

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