Interpol Indonesia Investigates Alleged Kidnapping of Two Citizens in Myanmar, Ransom Demanded

The Indonesian National Police’s Interpol division (NCB Interpol) has begun coordinating with Myanmar security authorities following the circulation of a video showing two Indonesian women allegedly being held captive in the country.

Brigadier General Untung Widyatmoko, Secretary of NCB Interpol Polri, stated that communication with Myanmar authorities has been initiated. “We have communicated with the security authorities in Myanmar,” he told reporters on Monday.

Initial information suggests the two women were working for a scamming company located in a rebel-held area of Myanmar. “Because both of them worked at a scamming company in a rebel area,” he added.

Untung has not yet disclosed further details regarding the handling of the case, including when the two women departed for Myanmar or the route they allegedly used to enter the country. “We will inform you later,” he said.

The case came to light after a video went viral on social media. In the recording, the two women claimed to be victims of confinement and torture, and stated that a ransom of Rp220 million was being demanded for their release. One of the victims has been identified as Ayu, a resident of Garagahan, Lubuk Basung District, Agam Regency, West Sumatra. The other woman is named Susi, from Tanjung Pinang, Riau Islands.