Jakarta – In a good display of resolve, the Indonesian government has launched a comprehensive campaign to combat Trafficking in Persons (TIP) scams, resulting in the successful rescue and repatriation of numerous Indonesian victims. Recent efforts have focused on dismantling online scamming operations, with the collaborative efforts of Indonesian and Philippine authorities leading to the liberation of 240 Indonesian nationals from a network of deceptive companies. This swift action underscores the government’s unwavering commitment to eradicating TIP and safeguarding the rights and well-being of its citizens.
The Indonesian government’s swift action came shortly after the liberation of 25 Indonesian citizens trapped in the conflict-ridden Myanmar-Thailand border area. The Indonesian Embassy in Yangon and the Indonesian Embassy in Bangkok played pivotal roles in securing their release during the early days of May 2023.
Senior Advisor of the Executive Office of the President, Siti Ruhaini Dzuhayatin, emphasized that the rescue and repatriation of Indonesian victims of TIP scams were a testament to the government’s determination to tackle TIP from all angles. “From upstream to downstream, we have taken swift action, including coordinated responses from relevant ministries, agencies, and local governments,” she explained, Sunday (28/5).
Ruhaini further highlighted the government’s success in promoting concrete cooperation among ASEAN member countries to address TIP, particularly with regard to online scamming. This concerted effort has significantly improved the responsiveness of local authorities in rescuing Indonesian nationals trapped in online scam operations. “The Executive Office of the President (KSP) extends its deep appreciation to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and its entire stakeholders for their meticulous response and the constructive and friendly cooperation extended by ASEAN member countries in tackling TIP,” she expressed.
Ruhaini emphasized that such cooperation would be further strengthened by President Joko Widodo’s encouragement to prioritize discussions on TIP during the 42nd ASEAN Summit in Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara, held from 9 to 11 May 2023. President Jokowi underlined the importance of addressing the negative impacts, especially the dehumanizing effects and modern-day slavery associated with the misuse of digital and online technologies.
Furthermore, Ruhaini urged the full implementation of President Jokowi’s initiatives in tackling TIP within ASEAN, through comprehensive and inclusive cooperation in prevention, intervention, and repatriation of victims. This will enhance the relevance and collective benefits of ASEAN for the people in the region, aligning with the concept of “ASEAN Matters” and the epicenter of growth.
Ruhaini also called on all stakeholders to collaborate in promoting digital and economic literacy, ensuring that digitally savvy youth are not easily enticed by unrealistic job offers. “Rapid and accessible confirmation systems from relevant ministries, agencies, and local governments are crucial,” Ruhaini emphasized.
In line with these efforts, the Chief of Staff to the President continues to encourage regional governments to create more opportunities for entrepreneurship within their respective areas, thereby reducing the temptation for young individuals to leave their homes. “This is vital in preventing TIP at its source,” she concluded.
The Indonesian government’s resolute determination in combating TIP scams serves as a beacon of hope, promising a safer future for Indonesian citizens and a stronger stance against this grave violation of human rights.
