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TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Embassy in Yangon has successfully identified a total of 144 Indonesian nationals suspected to be victims of human trafficking in Myawaddy, Myanmar, and is preparing for their repatriation to Indonesia."The Indonesian Embassy in Yangon has successfully communicated directly with 144 Indonesian nationals in three different locations and obtained complete data containing their names and passports," stated a written release from the Indonesian Embassy, received in Jakarta on Saturday, as reported by Antara.The 144 Indonesian nationals are currently divided as follows: 54 are already in safe areas outside the illegal online activity centers, while 90 are still located within the centers, split equally between Gate 25 and Gate UK999.In addition, the Embassy is aware of 58 other Indonesian nationals at a fourth location who have not yet submitted their identity and travel documents. The Embassy is undertaking persuasive approaches to encourage them to provide this data immediately.The Indonesian Embassy in Yangon is currently coordinating with authorities in Myanmar to move the 90 Indonesians still within the illegal activity centers to safe locations and to secure exit permits for all 144 identified individuals."Once the permits are obtained, the process of relocating the Indonesian nationals will be facilitated through the Myawaddy-Mae Sot border crossing, in cooperation with the Indonesian Embassy in Bangkok for processing entry permits to Thailand before they are returned to Indonesia," the Embassy explained.The Embassy also assured that any Indonesian nationals without valid passports will be issued a Travel Document in lieu of a Passport (SPLP) to ensure a smooth repatriation process.The Indonesian Embassy in Yangon affirmed that they are maintaining close coordination with both the Myanmar authorities and other relevant agencies to ensure a smooth repatriation process. "The security and safety of Indonesian nationals are the top priority in every step taken," the Embassy concluded.The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has recorded more than 10,000 cases of online scams involving Indonesian perpetrators since 2020, with cases reaching as far as South Africa.According to the Director for the Protection of Indonesian Nationals at Kemlu, Judha Nugraha, on October 20, not all of these 10,000 cases involve Indonesian victims of human trafficking. He noted that some individuals voluntarily take jobs within online scam syndicates."Out of the 10,000 cases in our records, only about 1,500 are victims of human trafficking," Judha clarified.Editor’s Choice: Jakarta Police Dismantle International Online Scam SyndicateClick here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
