Repatriation begins for 56 Indonesians detained in Myanmar scam raids
Fifty-six Indonesians seized in online scam and online gambling operations in Myawaddy have begun their repatriation through Mae Sot, marking the first phase of efforts to return around 300 nationals held by Myanmar authorities.
- Fifty-six Indonesians detained in online scam and gambling operations in Myawaddy have begun repatriation via Mae Sot.
- The transfer is the first phase of efforts to return about 300 nationals held by Myanmar authorities since October.
- Indonesia warns of rising online scam cases—over 10,000 since 2020—and urges caution against unofficial overseas job offers.
The Indonesian Embassy in Yangon has confirmed that 56 Indonesian nationals detained in online scam and online gambling operations in Myawaddy, Myanmar, have begun the repatriation process.
According to Antara, they were transferred on Monday, 8 December, to Mae Sot in Thailand as the first stage of their return.
The group had been apprehended in operations targeting online scam centres at KK Park and Shwe Kokko.
They are scheduled to fly to Indonesia on 9 December from Bangkok on a commercial flight.
Embassy officials stated that this transfer marks the start of a broader effort to repatriate around 300 Indonesian nationals.
These individuals have been under the supervision of Myanmar authorities since October following large-scale raids.
Before repatriation, the group underwent identity verification, data collection and biometric processing. They also completed health checks required by both Myanmar and Thailand.
KBRI Yangon said the transfer resulted from extended negotiations with Myanmar authorities. Support from the Indonesian Embassy in Bangkok facilitated cross-border arrangements and flight coordination.
Myanmar authorities provided strict escort for security reasons, reflecting the volatile conditions in Myawaddy.
The embassy continues to monitor the convoy’s movements in real time.
KBRI Yangon stressed that the safety of Indonesian nationals remains its primary concern. Efforts to repatriate the remaining individuals still under Myanmar’s oversight will continue.
Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (KemLu) has recorded more than 10,000 online scam cases involving Indonesian nationals since 2020.
Authorities warn that unregulated overseas employment offers place individuals at serious risk of exploitation.
Judha Nugraha, Director for the Protection of Indonesian Nationals at KemLu, said not all cases involve trafficking victims.
Some individuals knowingly joined online scam syndicates despite the risks.
The ministry has urged the public to remain vigilant and to rely only on official overseas employment channels.
It reiterated that illicit recruitment schemes are frequently linked to organised crime networks.
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