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

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 repatriation was conducted in two phases. The first group of 400 people arrived on March 18, 2025, while the remaining 169 were expected to return the following day, March 19. The victims, consisting of 462 men and 107 women, were flown home via Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok, 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.

Upon arrival, Indonesian authorities conducted 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.

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 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. But when we were rescued and brought back to Thailand, we knew we were going home. Without this rescue, I don’t know where we would have ended up.”

“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.