Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — The rapid rise of online scams related to human trafficking has become a significant transnational challenge across Southeast Asia. Director for the Protection of Indonesian Citizens at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Judha Nugraha highlighted the conditions has growth to an alarming state.
According to Tempo, the latest data revealed during a discussion titled “Corruption and Cyber Crime: Unraveling Online Scams and Gambling Schemes” at the AJI Indonesia office in Jakarta on Friday, December 13, highlighted a significant surge in online-related crimes in the region.
Judha noted that only 15 cases were recorded in 2020, but the figure had skyrocketed to 5,111 cases by 2024. Countries such as Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, and the Philippines have emerged as hubs for illegal activities, including online gambling and scams.
Out of the total reported cases, 1,290 were classified as human trafficking offenses, or TPPO (Tindak Pidana Perdagangan Orang). Most victims hail from regions such as North Sumatra, North Sulawesi, West Kalimantan, and Central Java.
This phenomenon has become increasingly concerning as illegal activities such as online scams and online gambling are being normalized by parts of society and even viewed as a new source of livelihood. “We are seeing a troubling trend where online gambling and scams are being accepted as legitimate livelihoods,” Judha said.
Judha explained that there is a growing trend where some Indonesian citizens are opting to work in these sectors, lured by promises of high salaries.
The social impact of human trafficking linked to online scams is concerning. Wahyu Susilo, Executive Director of Migrant Care, said the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the situation, providing ground for syndicates to expand their operations. Victims are no longer limited to vulnerable low-income groups, young people and university graduates are increasingly being targeted.
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The financial dimensions of these online related crimes are staggering. Danang Tri Hartono, Deputy for Analysis and Examination at Indonesia’s Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK), noted a sharp surge in online gambling transactions in recent years.
PPATK data revealed that online gambling transactions amounted to Rp57,91 trillion ($3.7 billion) in 2021 before jumping to Rp104,42 trillion ($6.7 billion) in 2022. By 2023, the figure had more than tripled, reaching an astonishing Rp327,05 trillion ($21 billion).
This surge reflects the expanding scale of cybercrime, facilitated by increasingly sophisticated money laundering schemes. Authorities report that proceeds from these illegal transactions are often funneled through money changers or cryptocurrency platforms, making them harder to trace.
The number of online gamblers in Indonesia has also risen dramatically, growing from 3.4 million in 2023 to 8.8 million in 2024. Many schemes exploit bank accounts to obscure financial trails.
Judha emphasized the need for comprehensive government action to tackle the issue. He called for improved identification processes to protect victims of online scams involving human trafficking and for stronger preventive measures, including campaigns to combat the normalization of online gambling.
(Raidi/Agung)
