Minister Gunawan stated that this initiative is a necessary response to the 554 Indonesian citizens who fell victim to online fraud and exploitation in Myawaddy, Myanmar.
“Legal action against the perpetrators involved in this human trafficking network will continue to be pursued. Assessment results are crucial and will determine the next steps in enforcing laws against human trafficking," he remarked here on Tuesday.
He stressed that dismantling human trafficking networks reflects the government's dedication to addressing cases involving Indonesian citizens victimized by online scams, which have led to their trafficking overseas.
“This effort is concrete proof that the government is present and responsible for the safety of all its citizens wherever they are. Therefore, the government remains committed to protecting every Indonesian citizen working abroad,” he stated.
He elaborated that through the assessment process, police investigators can conduct an in-depth investigation into the methods used by perpetrators to recruit their victims to work as operators of online gambling in destination countries.
Furthermore, he called on all relevant stakeholders to strengthen their monitoring of worker recruitment for overseas placements, aiming to prevent and decrease the number of Indonesian victims of human trafficking.
“We have the police and the military, and we will involve intelligence elements to ensure that all can collaborate in dealing with human trafficking," Gunawan stated.
Around 554 Indonesians, comprising 449 men and 105 women, who were victims of online scams leading to their trafficking in Myawaddy, have been successfully evacuated and rescued by the Indonesian government.
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Translator: Azmi, Kenzu
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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