Ministry Reports 107 Indonesians Trafficked to Myanmar in 2024
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Editor
11 September 2024 21:08 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reported that 107 Indonesian citizens have fallen victim to human trafficking in Myanmar throughout 2024. Of these, 44 individuals have been successfully repatriated, while 63 remain in Myawaddi, Myanmar.
Judha Nugraha, Director of Protection of Indonesian Citizens, revealed that 20 of the remaining 63 individuals have been identified in a recent viral video. They are believed to be located in the Hpa Lu area of Myawaddi, which is currently experiencing armed conflict between rebels and the military.
The motive behind the detention of these 20 Indonesian citizens remains unclear, according to Judha. “But they are likely involved in online scam activities,” he told Tempo on Wednesday, September 11.
Based on the ministry’s investigation, he explained that the victims arrived in Myanmar at various times, with some having been there for three years and others for only a few months.
Previously, the plight of Indonesian citizens trafficked to Myanmar gained widespread attention on social media. A viral video depicted dozens of Indonesians detained in a room, recounting their experiences of being trafficked to Myanmar under false job offers in Thailand.
The 2-minute 11-second video revealed that the victims were held captive, forced to work for 15 hours a day, and subjected to physical abuse, including beatings and electrocution. They also reported inadequate food and living conditions.
Judha stated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has coordinated with the Indonesian Embassy in Yangon to facilitate the evacuation of the Indonesian citizens. Additionally, the ministry has sent a diplomatic note to the Myanmar government requesting assistance in releasing the victims.
“We are still waiting for a response from the Myanmar authorities,” he said.
The family of one of the victims of human trafficking from Semarang has filed a report with the Central Java Regional Police. The victim is reported to have been working in Myanmar since early 2023.
DEDE LENI MARDIANTI
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