13 Indonesian Human Trafficking Victims in Bangkok Return Safely

Jakarta – A total of 13 Indonesian citizens suspected of being victims of human trafficking (TPPO) arrived in Indonesia safely on Friday evening. 

The repatriation of Indonesian citizens is the result of cooperation between the Indonesian Embassies in Bangkok and Yangon, the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Agency for the Placement and Protection of Indonesian Workers (BNP2TKI), and the RPTC of the Indonesian Ministry of Social Affairs. 

The Indonesian citizens previously worked for a company in Myawaddy, Myanmar, which turned out to be involved in online fraud practices. The location is in a conflict area that is difficult to reach through the Myanmar Government's legal apparatus.  

However, on June 7, the 13 Indonesian citizens managed to escape from the company and crossed into Maesot, Thailand.

Then, the Indonesian Embassy in Bangkok swiftly provided protection and accompanied the Indonesian citizens during the examination process by the Thailand authorities.  

"After being determined as victims of TPPO by the Multi-Disciplinary Team in Maesot, the process of returning the Indonesian citizens was carried out with assistance from the Indonesian Embassy in Bangkok," wrote a statement on the official website of the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on Saturday. 

"Through intensive coordination with the Thai authorities, the Indonesian citizens were finally released and welcomed by the Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Thai Ministry of Social Affairs and representatives of the Indonesian Embassy in Bangkok."

Indonesian citizens come from various regions in Indonesia, such as West Kalimantan, DKI Jakarta, East Java, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra.  

"Their repatriation shows the country's strong commitment to protecting Indonesian citizens amid the complex and risky security situation in Myanmar," the statement added. 

"In addition, prevention efforts need to be increased, including strict law enforcement against recruiters and increasing public awareness about the mode of fraud as online fraudsters."  

The repatriation of 13 Indonesian citizens suspected of being victims of TPPO is an important step in efforts to protect Indonesian citizens abroad. The government is committed to continuing to oversee and ensure the safety and interests of Indonesian citizens wherever they are.