Prabowo Appreciates Thailand's Help in Repatriating 1,000 Indonesian Scam Victims
President Prabowo Subianto has expressed appreciation to the Thai government for its assistance in the repatriation of 1,000 Indonesian citizens believed to be victims of online fraud.
He made the remarks during a joint press conference with Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul at the Merdeka Palace in Central Jakarta on Monday (3/8/2026).
“On behalf of the Indonesian nation, I would like to express appreciation and thanks to the Government of Thailand for its assistance and close cooperation in facilitating the repatriation of Indonesian citizens who fell victim to online scams. The number is considerable, approaching 1,000 Indonesian nationals,” Prabowo said.
Prabowo described this as highly meaningful assistance that demonstrates the strength of the relationship between the two countries. “Once again, on behalf of the Indonesian nation and people, I wish to convey my deepest thanks and appreciation,” he said.
To that end, the two countries agreed to strengthen political and security cooperation, particularly in tackling transnational crime, including online fraud.
This also covers cooperation in the exchange of information and intelligence, joint investigations, tracing financial flows, and law enforcement coordination to dismantle transnational criminal networks. Indonesia and Thailand will also continue to optimise defence and security cooperation through the Indonesia-Thailand High Level Committee and the Indonesia-Thailand Security Dialogue.
“We also support the development of a Transnational Referral Mechanism (TRM) as a breakthrough to accelerate the protection, identification, and repatriation of victims of transnational crime in a safe and dignified manner,” he said.
On the same occasion, PM Anutin agreed to enhance assistance and cooperation in combating transnational crime, particularly online fraud, human trafficking, and narcotics.
“In this regard, we will work together even more closely, both in terms of law enforcement and intelligence information exchange, capacity building for officials, and cooperation at the regional ASEAN level,” he said.
He also noted that the Thai government has been open and pleased to provide information about Indonesian citizens who fell victim to online scams in neighbouring countries as well as in Thailand. According to him, at least 1,000 people have been safely returned to Indonesia, while around 500 others are still awaiting repatriation.
“More than 500 people are still awaiting repatriation. My government will expedite the process of returning them to their homeland as quickly as possible,” Anutin said.