Brigadier General Nurul Azizah, head of Polri’s Directorate for Crimes Against Women, Children, and Human Trafficking (PPA-PPO), said one suspect, identified as HR, has been arrested.
The syndicate reportedly conducted a video-call job interview with the victim and promised a position as a cryptocurrency administrator in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), offering a monthly salary of around US$800. They also helped arrange the victim’s passport, flight tickets, and accommodation, Azizah said.
However, instead of being taken to the UAE, the victim — a resident of Pangkal Pinang, Bangka Belitung Islands — was trafficked through Soekarno-Hatta International Airport to Thailand, and later brought to Myawaddy, Myanmar. She was eventually repatriated in March.
Police arrested HR for allegedly recruiting and sending the victim abroad. Another suspect, identified as IR, has also been named for helping with travel arrangements and escorting the victim to Myanmar. IR remains at large and is still being pursued by authorities, Azizah said.
HR’s case file will be handed over to the Bangka Prosecutor’s Office.
Earlier this year, the government repatriated 691 Indonesian migrant workers from conflict-affected areas in Myanmar between February and March.
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Translator: Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Anton Santoso
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