“For example, if you want to try your luck or seek opportunities abroad, please use the proper channels. (It is) because by going through proper channels, their safety is ensured,” Sugiono stated in a special interview with ANTARA here on Thursday.
He remarked that the Foreign Affairs Ministry can more effectively monitor Indonesian citizens abroad through Indonesian representatives located around the world.
The minister pointed out that when Indonesians use unofficial or illegal channels for work or study abroad, it becomes difficult for the ministry to track their situation.
“Sometimes we are hindered (because of citizens using illegal channels). We do not know what is happening with them, where they are, or what the issue is,” he remarked.
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Sugiono stated that the ministry continues to strive to provide protection for Indonesian citizens overseas.
In March 2025, the ministry successfully repatriated 569 Indonesian citizens who were victims of online scam exploitation from the conflict zone of Myawaddy, Myanmar, on March 17-19, 2025.
The ministry emphasized that the first line of protection must start with families being alert and aware when a family member plans to go abroad.
If there are indications of improper or illegal placement procedures, such as incomplete documents or no signed employment contract before departure, Indonesian citizens are urged not to leave.
Such preventive efforts require collaboration across all parties, from central to regional governments, including cooperation with non-governmental organizations, the media, academia, the private sector, and other community groups, especially families.
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Translator: Cindy, Kenzu
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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