569 Indonesian Survivors Return Home After being Freed from the Scam Centers in Myanmar

Jakarta, Indonesia – On March 18, 2025, the Indonesian government, with assistance from the government of Thailand, successfully repatriated 569 Indonesian citizens who had been trafficking and forced to participate in scamming activities from the scamming compounds in Myawaddy, Myanmar.

These individuals were part of a group of about 7,000 people from various nationalities who were freed from scam centers in Myanmar, following a crackdown on scamming operations.

The victims, consisting of 462 men and 107 women, were flown home via Bangkok, Thailand. Despite the successful repatriation, 10 Indonesians remain stranded in Myanmar due to logistical challenges. The Indonesian government is committed to continuing its efforts to bring these individuals back home safely.

Victim identification support in Thailand

“We support the effort of the Thai and Indonesian governments to quickly facilitate the return of so many potential victims of human trafficking into forced scamming,” said Andrew Wasuwongse, Country Director of IJM Thailand.

“We also call on all governments to intensify efforts to investigate and counter the transnational criminal networks behind this epidemic of online scamming and human trafficking that is impacting people all around the world.”

The Thai government conducted a quick health screening followed by a rapid victim screening in Mae Sot, Thailand, confirming that all 569 Indonesians were potential victims of human trafficking. Four IJM Thailand staff joined response efforts in Mae Sot, providing translation, assisting survivors, and working closely with local officials and non-government organizations to support the Thai government’s victim screening process.

Aftercare and legal assistance in Indonesia

Indonesian authorities conduct another screening process to identify which ones amongst them are victims or perpetrators involved in the exploitation. This process also includes reintegration programs to support the victims’ transition back into their communities. The Indonesian government has committed to providing legal assistance to the victims. Meanwhile, the government has found temporary housing for the survivors.

Survivor calls for increased government effort to rescue and protect people from forced scamming

Liam*, in his 30s, one of the survivors, shared his relief upon returning to Indonesia. Assisted by Yayasan Integritas Justitia Madani Indonesia (IJMI), a local partner of IJM, Liam received legal assistance even while still trapped in the compound in Myanmar.

“I am so happy to be finally back in Indonesia. It’s an emotional moment for all of us,” Liam said. “When I saw Jakarta from the plane, I felt overjoyed. Back in Myanmar, we were living in constant fear, uncertain of what would happen next.”

“My message to the government is simple: please continue to do everything possible to bring home the remaining Indonesians including other nationalities who are still trapped there. Many are in horrible conditions, some are being hidden, and others are suffering in different ways. Please continue your efforts to save them.”

Try L. Harysantoso, Executive Director of Yayasan IJMI, emphasized the need for stronger regional cooperation to combat human trafficking and hold those responsible accountable.

“We are grateful for the safe return of 569 Indonesian citizens who were trapped in the scamming compounds in Myanmar. This successful operation highlights our ongoing efforts to protect Indonesian citizens from dangerous situations such as labor trafficking and forced labor. While we celebrate the safe return of these survivors, we must remain vigilant. This incident serves as a reminder that many Indonesians have fallen into the trap of human trafficking networks, and it is critical that we continue to investigate these crimes, prosecute those involved, and work toward long-term solutions.”

The Yayasan IJMI team in Indonesia collaborates with IJM teams in the Philippines, Cambodia, Thailand, and Myanmar, as well as Indonesian embassies in forced scamming hotspots, to facilitate the repatriation of Indonesian survivors and enhance cooperation with law enforcement.

Once survivors are repatriated, the team partners with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Indonesia to provide survivors with critical psychological and legal support. Additionally, the team submits survivor testimonies to prosecutors, playing a key role in the legal process by supporting the prosecution of those responsible for the trafficking and exploitation.

IJM’s response to forced scamming cases since 2021

IJM’s offices in Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar, Malaysia, the Philippines and Indonesia (through Yayasan IJMI) are working with government agencies and embassies to facilitate the rescue, repatriation and care of survivors, as well as investigation by law enforcement partners into the cross-border human trafficking networks involved.

Since 2021, IJM has assisted over 500 individuals determined to be victims of forced scamming in Southeast Asia. IJM also supports the government’s criminal justice system response, which has led to the convictions of 15 perpetrators involved in forced scamming to date, including three traffickers in Indonesia convicted of human trafficking in forced scamming in 2023.

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*a pseudonym