Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has repatriated 17 Indonesian citizens (WNI) who fell victim to human trafficking crimes (TPPO) in the conflict-ridden region of Myawaddy, Myanmar. This marks the second phase of repatriation, encompassing a total of 26 WNI who were subjected to TPPO and were engaged in online scam activities in Myanmar. Earlier, on August 4th, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had managed to bring back 9 WNI to their homeland. "The Indonesian citizens were smuggled into Myanmar from Thailand between November 6th and December 3rd, 2022. While in Myanmar, they were exploited by companies that employed them as online scammers in the conflict area of Myawaddy," stated the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a written statement on Tuesday (15/8/23). To guarantee their secure repatriation, the Indonesian Embassy in Yangon collaborated closely with local authorities, facilitating the departure of these individuals from exploitative entities. Subsequently, the embassy coordinated their retrieval and provided them with necessary accommodations. After undergoing assessment by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Myanmar, it was conclusively established that all 17 Indonesian citizens were victims of human trafficking. These affected individuals come from diverse regions, encompassing South Sumatra, DKI Jakarta, West Java, and West Kalimantan. Upon reaching the airport, these repatriated WNI will be temporarily housed at the Protection and Trauma Center (RPTC) under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Social Affairs in Bambu Apus, Jakarta. Here, they will undergo rehabilitation before being reintegrated into their respective home regions. Noteworthy findings from the Indonesian Embassy in Yangon underscore that around 24 Indonesian citizens remain entrapped, laboring under exploitative conditions in the Myawaddy region of Myanmar, where they are engaged in perpetrating online scams. "The Embassy will make efforts to address all incoming complaints within the limitations of information and political sensitivity in Myanmar. The Indonesian government also continues to urge Indonesian citizens to be cautious in accepting job offers that lead to the trap of online scamming exploitation," wrote the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The official statement underscored that the Indonesian government remains steadfast in prioritizing preventive strategies and robust law enforcement to effectively combat human trafficking cases. (ndt/pr/nm)