Foreign Ministry Continues Efforts to Rescue Two Indonesian Nationals Held Captive in Myanmar

The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that it has followed up on information regarding the alleged kidnapping of two female Indonesian nationals in Myanmar and is continuing to pursue their rescue through intensive coordination between the Indonesian Embassy in Yangon and local authorities. Director of Protection of Indonesian Nationals at the Foreign Ministry, Heni Hamidah, stated that after receiving the initial report on 15 July, the Indonesian Embassy in Yangon conducted preliminary investigations, including communicating with the families in Indonesia and sources on the ground. “As a follow-up, on 16 July, the Indonesian Embassy in Yangon delivered a diplomatic note to the Myanmar Ministry of Foreign Affairs to request assistance in tracing and confirming the whereabouts of the two Indonesian nationals,” Heni said in response to a journalist’s written inquiry in Jakarta on Monday. In this effort, the Indonesian Embassy in Yangon attached copies of the two Indonesian nationals’ passports as available identity documents for reference. Heni added that based on information obtained, the Indonesian Embassy in Yangon has received initial indications regarding the location of the two Indonesian nationals, identified by the initials AE and S, who are reportedly being held for a ransom of Rp200 million. The Indonesian Embassy in Yangon continues to coordinate with various parties in Myanmar to obtain further information and prepare rescue measures once the whereabouts and condition of the two are confirmed. The Directorate of Protection of Indonesian Nationals will continue to communicate with the families in Indonesia to gather further supporting information for the investigation. “The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to coordinate with Myanmar authorities and relevant ministries or agencies in Indonesia throughout the process,” Heni said. Furthermore, Heni stated that this case serves as a reminder of the high risks faced by Indonesian nationals working non-procedurally in the Southeast Asian region, particularly in the online fraud and gambling sectors. She urged the public not to be easily tempted by overseas job offers promising excessively high salaries without going through official placement mechanisms. The public is advised to be critical when receiving job offers to avoid becoming victims of fraud.