Jakarta - The Indonesian Migrant Workers Union (SBMI) is demanding that the Myanmar government take legal action against companies involved in the online scam industry
The demands were conveyed by SBMI during a peaceful demonstration in front of the Myanmar Embassy in Jakarta.
According to a written statement from SBMI on Monday, SBMI said that law enforcement against online scam industry players in Myanmar was important and urged the repatriation and protection of Indonesian citizens held captive in Myawaddy, Myanmar.
They also stressed that the evacuation and rescue of victims from Myanmar is a top priority that must be carried out.
"SBMI, together with the victims and survivors, urges the Government of Myanmar and the Government of Indonesia to immediately evacuate and repatriate Indonesian Migrant Workers who are victims of TPPO using the online scam method ," said SBMI Secretary General Juwarih.
Juwarih said that the crimes of human trafficking and forced labor using online scam methods are increasingly widespread and ensnaring many migrant workers, including Indonesian citizens who are currently still trapped in Myawaddy, Myanmar.
This situation requires a quick response and real action from various parties, especially the government, not to mention the wider community, said Juwarih.
He also called on all ASEAN communities to show solidarity in supporting the victims and jointly combat crimes in the online scam industry , emphasizing that such crimes not only harm individuals but also harm human values.
Currently, SBMI is assisting 79 people held captive by various companies in Myawaddy, Myanmar, adding that the victims experienced torture, violence, intimidation and isolation from the outside world.
Throughout 2020-2024, SBMI has handled 344 cases of online scams or forced scams , with 95 percent of them fulfilling the elements of the Crime of Human Trafficking (TPPO).
Based on data from victim complaints to SBMI, the data shows that there are more and more reports of Indonesian citizens who are victims of TPPO who are trapped in online scam modes in Myanmar.