House Commission I Urges Diplomatic Optimisation After Two Indonesians Kidnapped in Myanmar

Wakil Ketua Komisi I DPR Dave Laksono has responded to reports that two Indonesian citizens, identified by the initials AE and S, have been kidnapped and held for a ransom of Rp 200 million in Myanmar. He urged the government to optimise all diplomatic channels to ensure their safety. “We express deep concern over the alleged kidnapping of two Indonesian citizens in Myanmar. The safety of every Indonesian citizen abroad is a priority that must be continuously upheld, so the government needs to ensure all protective measures are carried out swiftly, measurably, and in a coordinated manner,” Dave told reporters on Sunday. Dave appreciated the initial steps taken by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Indonesian Embassy in Yangon, which have been tracing information, communicating with the victims’ families, and coordinating with local authorities. He cautioned the government to be careful in its liberation efforts. “Given the complex situation in the region, the liberation effort certainly requires caution, intensive coordination, and an appropriate diplomatic approach so that the handling process can run optimally and produce the best resolution,” he said. The Golkar Party politician also encouraged the government to strengthen coordination with Myanmar authorities, relevant countries, and international partners if necessary. Additionally, he requested that communication with the victims’ families be maintained so they receive regular updates. “Commission I of the Indonesian House of Representatives encourages the government to optimise all diplomatic and citizen protection channels, including strengthening coordination with Myanmar authorities, related countries, and international partners if needed,” he explained. “At the same time, communication with the victims’ families must also be maintained so they receive periodic information and continue to receive assistance throughout the process,” he added. Dave assessed that this case serves as a reminder that transnational crime remains a challenge. He then asked the government to strengthen preventive measures. “In addition to seeking the release of the two Indonesian citizens, prevention efforts need to be continuously strengthened through public education, supervision of non-procedural labour recruitment practices, and strengthening inter-agency cooperation and with international partners in protecting Indonesian citizens abroad,” he said. “We hope the two Indonesian citizens can be found soon in a safe condition and repatriated to the homeland,” he concluded. Previously, the two Indonesian citizens with the initials AE and S were kidnapped and a ransom of Rp 200 million was demanded. The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent a diplomatic note to Myanmar to investigate the case. “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Indonesian Embassy in Yangon have received information regarding the alleged kidnapping of two Indonesian citizens with the initials AE and S in Myanmar with a ransom demand of Rp 200 million,” said Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Yvonne Mewengkang when contacted on Friday. “Immediately after receiving the report on 15 July 2026, the Indonesian Embassy in Yangon conducted initial tracing, including communicating with the families and various sources of information on the ground,” she continued. Based on the information obtained, the Indonesian Embassy in Yangon has received an indication of the location of the two kidnapped Indonesian citizens. The embassy then sent a diplomatic note requesting local authorities assist in tracing the two Indonesian citizens.