By: Ary Nugraha )*
A total of 400 Indonesian citizens (WNI) who were victims of human trafficking (TPPO) exploitation of online scams were successfully repatriated from the Myawaddy conflict area, Myanmar, on Monday (17/3/2025). This success is real proof of the government’s commitment to protecting the rights and safety of its citizens, where strategic steps and close coordination with various parties played a major role in ensuring a smooth and safe repatriation.
Judha Nugraha, Director of Protection of Indonesian Citizens at the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, explained that the victims were successfully crossed to Maesot City, Thailand, via the 2nd Friendship Bridge. After going through a health screening process and the National Referral Mechanism, they were sent by land for nine hours using nine buses to Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport. Furthermore, they were flown by charter plane to Indonesia.
In this repatriation process, Rachmat Budiman, Indonesian Ambassador to the Kingdom of Thailand, also directly led the coordination with various parties in Thailand. This success cannot be separated from the full support of the Thai and Myanmar authorities who facilitated the crossing process and administrative checks so that all Indonesian citizens can return to Indonesia safely and orderly.
The government also continues to strengthen preventive measures to ensure that no more citizens are trapped in the trap of human trafficking. Proactive policies in eradicating human trafficking have been implemented comprehensively, including increasing education to the public regarding the dangers and modus operandi of the ever-evolving human trafficking syndicate.
One form of this commitment is seen in Presidential Regulation Number 19 of 2023 concerning the National Action Plan for the Prevention and Handling of Human Trafficking for 2020-2024. This regulation underlines the importance of synergy between the central government, regional governments, and related institutions in creating a more effective and comprehensive protection system.
Not only that, the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (KemenPPPA) has also formed a Human Trafficking Prevention and Handling Task Force. This task force plays a role in coordinating various strategic steps to eradicate human trafficking and provide maximum protection for victims who have been successfully rescued.
Attention to human trafficking victims does not stop after repatriation. The Ministry of Social Affairs, together with various related agencies, continues to provide assistance to victims so that they can return to living a good life. Rehabilitation and social reintegration efforts are one of the main priorities so that they can rise and get new opportunities in a better life.
Preventive measures are also increasingly being strengthened. Massive education and socialization are carried out to increase public awareness of the dangers of human trafficking. The active role of the community in recognizing and reporting indications of human trafficking is an important factor in reducing the number of similar cases in the future. This socialization is carried out through various media, both directly through meetings and seminars, and through digital platforms that reach more people.
The government’s commitment to handling human trafficking is increasingly visible with the strict law enforcement against the perpetrators. Law enforcement officers work optimally to thoroughly investigate human trafficking cases and ensure that the perpetrators receive appropriate punishment. With this step, it is hoped that a deterrent effect will emerge that can prevent similar cases from recurring. The government is also strengthening international cooperation in handling this transnational crime with various friendly countries and international organizations.
The successful repatriation of 400 Indonesian citizens from Myanmar is an important momentum for the government in continuing to strengthen its citizen protection policy. With close synergy between various ministries, institutions, and international authorities, Indonesia is increasingly demonstrating its position as a country that prioritizes the safety and welfare of every citizen. In the future, this effort will be further strengthened with a more aggressive diplomatic strategy in dealing with TPPO at the global level.
Optimism is increasing that the various policies that have been implemented will bring positive changes in eradicating TPPO comprehensively. By continuing to prioritize cross-sector cooperation, ongoing education, and consistent law enforcement, protection for Indonesian citizens at home and abroad will be stronger. In addition, the involvement of the private sector in preventing TPPO is also one of the innovative steps that continues to be developed, especially in terms of transparency in workforce recruitment and improving the welfare of migrant workers.
This success not only reflects the effectiveness of diplomacy and the hard work of various parties, but also proves that the state is always present to protect every citizen ne country. The concrete steps that have been taken show that the future of protecting Indonesian citizens is increasingly bright, with the hope that cases of TPPO can continue to be suppressed and eventually eradicated completely.
As part of ongoing efforts, the government plans to increase the capacity of rehabilitation centers for victims of TPPO in the country. These centers will be equipped with skills training and economic empowerment programs, so that victims can adapt more easily and get decent jobs after returning to society. In addition, coordination between regional and central governments continues to be strengthened so that the response to TPPO cases is faster and more effective.
)* The author is an observer of international relations
