Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs revealed that 91 Indonesian citizens, believed to be victims of human trafficking, remain trapped in Myawaddy, Myanmar, while 44 others are ready to return home.

“As of today, there are 91 Indonesian citizens in Myawaddy,” said Judha Nugraha, the Director of Protection for Indonesian Citizens, after a coordination meeting with the Ministry of Migrant Worker Protection (P2MI) on Friday (22/11/2024).

The Foreign Ministry has been working to secure their release, including communicating with Myanmar authorities and engaging in informal talks with local stakeholders. However, Myawaddy poses significant challenges. 

“It’s a conflict zone controlled by armed ethnic groups rather than Myanmar’s military, the Tatmadaw. This creates complications,” Judha explained, as reported by antaranews.com.

Efforts to bring the remaining individuals back are ongoing. 

The Foreign Ministry and the Ministry of Migrant Worker Protection are also prioritizing preventive measures to address the root causes of trafficking. 

“Many Indonesians are drawn to overseas job offers promising high salaries but fail to follow proper procedures, leaving them vulnerable to scams and trafficking,” Judha warned.

(mg/inp/pr/nm)