NGOCSTIP – 84 Indonesian workers rescued from Myanmar scam centers have safely returned to Indonesia after a lengthy ordeal. On two separate flights from Thailand, the workers landed in Jakarta, marking the latest success in a series of operations aimed at rescuing those trapped in illegal scam centers across Southeast Asia. The workers, including men and women, were entangled in cybercrime operations in Myanmar’s lawless border regions.
Myanmar has become a hotspot for online scam operations that lure foreign workers with promises of high-paying jobs. When workers arrive, scammers hold them hostage and force them into fraudulent activities. These scam centers are often located in Myanmar’s remote border areas, where law enforcement struggles to control illegal activities. The workers must commit online fraud and target people around the world.
These operations have caused significant harm to many foreign workers, particularly those from countries like Indonesia. Scammers trick the workers into believing they will find lucrative employment abroad, only to trap them in dangerous and exploitative situations.
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The recent repatriation of 84 Indonesian workers marks another significant effort to bring back those caught in Myanmar’s scam centers. Indonesian, Thai, and Myanmar officials negotiated to rescue a group of 69 men and 15 women, who were then flown back to Jakarta. Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Citizen Protection Director, Judha Nugraha, confirmed the successful return of the workers on Saturday.
“Nugraha stated that they will go to the Social Affairs Ministry’s safehouse and trauma center, where they will undergo a rehabilitation process.” This process aims to help the workers recover physically and emotionally after their traumatic experiences. The workers were reportedly in good health, though some of the women were pregnant at the time of their evacuation.
Myanmar’s government has come under international pressure, especially from its key ally Beijing, to crack down on these illegal scam centers. In recent months, Myanmar has begun to dismantle some of these compounds. This crackdown has led to the release of around 7,000 workers from various countries, including Indonesia.
The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been actively working to repatriate its citizens caught in such situations. This latest group of 84 workers joins the 46 Indonesians who returned home in February. In total, the government has repatriated 140 Indonesian workers since the beginning of 2025.
The process of bringing the workers home involves cooperation between multiple countries, including Myanmar, Thailand, and Indonesia. Thai authorities have played a significant role in facilitating the workers’ safe passage back to their home country. The workers arrived in Jakarta on two AirAsia flights, one late Friday and the other early Saturday morning.
According to Ministry spokesperson Rolliansyah Soemirat, the workers are in good condition after their evacuation. The Indonesian government has assured the public that the workers will receive the necessary care and support upon their return. This includes placement in a safehouse run by the Ministry of Social Affairs, where they will receive medical care and psychological support.
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The issue of transnational scams has become a growing concern in Southeast Asia. Scammers have lured thousands of Indonesians to other countries in the region with promises of better-paying jobs, only for them to find themselves trapped in these scam operations. These workers face exploitation and are forced into online fraud, which severely impacts their physical and mental health.
Between 2020 and September 2024, the Indonesian government successfully repatriated more than 4,700 Indonesians who had fallen victim to these scams. These operations took place in various countries, including Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam. The government’s efforts to address the issue are ongoing, with continued efforts to raise awareness and provide support for those affected.
The repatriation of 84 Indonesian workers rescued from Myanmar scam centers is a testament to the importance of international cooperation in combating illegal activities. The successful rescue operations depend on the collaboration between various countries and agencies, including Myanmar, Thailand, and Indonesia. In addition, the support from international organizations and the pressure from global allies have been critical in encouraging Myanmar to crack down on these scam operations.
While the repatriation efforts have been successful, there is still much work to do. Scammers continue to trap thousands of workers in scam centers, and the Indonesian government works closely with other countries to ensure their safe return.
Through these coordinated efforts, the Indonesian government is hopeful that more workers will be freed from the clutches of transnational scammers. The aim is not only to bring them back home but also to provide the necessary support to help them rebuild their lives after such traumatic experiences.
