Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta.   An Indonesian kidnapping victim from Myanmar, identified as SA (27), has claimed that there are 15 other Indonesian nationals in a similar predicament, increasing the likelihood of their release.

"There are 15 Indonesians here, so the chances of being freed are higher. I’m hopeful," Yonanna, a family member of the victim, identified as SA (27), quoted his statement on Monday (12/8/2024).

Yohanna could not provide further details about the condition of the other Indonesians.

Rina Komaria, a junior diplomat at the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, acknowledged the challenges in rescuing the kidnapped nationals due to the conflict in Myanmar. 

"The Indonesian Embassy in Yangon is working hard to ensure the safety of Indonesian nationals in the area," she said, as quoted by antaranews.com.

The Foreign Ministry and Myanmar authorities have been working on the case involving SA, who was promised a job in Thailand with a salary of Rp 150 million. After arriving in Bangkok on 11 July 2024, SA and four others were separated from their contact and taken to Myanmar.

SA is now reportedly being held for ransom amounting to Rp 478 million. The family has reported the case to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Indonesian Migrant Worker Protection Agency (BP2MI), and the Jakarta Metropolitan Sub-regional Police for further investigation.

(mg/inp/pr/nm)