Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemlu) is continuing efforts to repatriate Indonesian Nationals (WNI) believed to be victims of human trafficking in Myanmar. According to the latest data, 525 Indonesians are suspected of being trapped in an online scam center in Myawaddy.
Judha Nugraha, Director for the Protection of Indonesian Citizens and Legal Entities at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that Myanmar’s government confirmed that 525 WNI remain stranded in Myawaddy. This figure has increased from the previous estimate of 365.
“Initially, Myanmar authorities reported 395 WNI. However, the latest official note from Myanmar states that the number has reached 525, which is a significant figure,” Judha said during a press conference at the Foreign Ministry on Thursday, March 6, as reported by CNN Indonesia.
He explained that the data was gathered from complaints submitted to the ministry, Indonesian representatives, and various reporting channels. The information was then coordinated with Myanmar’s authorities and other relevant parties.
Judha assured that the WNI are now in a safe location and will soon be repatriated to Indonesia.
Repatriation Effort
The Foreign Ministry is currently engaged in intensive coordination with Thai authorities, as Thailand will serve as a transit country. The ministry is also working with Myanmar authorities to ensure that no more Indonesian citizens remain trapped in Myawaddy.
The repatriation process will involve transporting the WNI from Myawaddy to Mae Sot, a Thai border town, before they return to Indonesia via Thailand. This repatriation method has been used in previous cases.
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Indonesia Successfully Repatriates 46 Human Trafficking Victims from Myanmar
In February 2025, the Foreign Ministry and relevant authorities successfully repatriated 130 WNI from Myanmar in two separate operations.
The first wave, on February 20, included 46 suspected human trafficking victims, among them a former member of the Indramayu Regional House of Representatives. On February 27, an additional 84 WNI were repatriated, consisting of 69 men and 15 women, including three pregnant women.
The rising number of Indonesian citizens caught in human trafficking schemes abroad remains a serious concern. The government continues to work on repatriating human trafficking victims from various countries, including Myanmar and Vietnam, which have become hubs for trafficking operations targeting foreign nationals
The Indonesian government remains committed to repatriating all affected citizens and ensuring their safe return to the country.
(Raidi/Agung)
