Two Indonesian Citizens Allegedly Held Hostage in Myanmar, Perpetrators Demand Rp200 Million Ransom

The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemlu) together with the Indonesian Embassy in Yangon are currently handling the suspected kidnapping of two Indonesian citizens (WNI) with the initials AE and S in Myanmar. Both WNI were reportedly held hostage with a ransom demand of Rp200 million.

Kemlu revealed that the report of the suspected kidnapping was received on 15 July 2026 and was immediately followed up by the Indonesian Embassy in Yangon. After coordinating with the victims’ families and various sources on the ground, the embassy managed to obtain an indication of the location of the two WNI.

"Immediately after receiving the report, the Indonesian Embassy in Yangon conducted initial tracing, including communicating with the family and various sources of information on the ground," according to an official statement from Kemlu on Sunday (20/7/2026).

As a follow-up step, on 16 July 2026 the Indonesian Embassy in Yangon sent a Diplomatic Note to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Myanmar to request assistance in tracing and confirming the whereabouts of the two WNI. The request was accompanied by copies of their passports as identity documents.

Kemlu stated that the Indonesian Embassy in Yangon is also continuing to coordinate with various parties in Myanmar to obtain the latest information. "The Indonesian Embassy in Yangon also continues to coordinate with various parties in Myanmar to obtain further information and prepare rescue measures should their whereabouts be confirmed," Kemlu wrote.

At the same time, the Directorate of Protection of Indonesian Citizens at Kemlu is still in intensive communication with the families of both victims to gather additional information that can support the search process. The government is also continuing to coordinate with Myanmar authorities as well as relevant ministries and agencies in Indonesia to handle the case.

Kemlu stressed that this case once again demonstrates the high risk faced by Indonesian citizens who work non-procedurally in the Southeast Asian region, particularly in online scam networks. Based on recurring patterns, victims are typically recruited through offers of high-paying jobs in Thailand, such as in the construction, hospitality, or other sectors.

However, upon arrival in Thailand, the victims are instead taken illegally overland to the Myawaddy area in Myanmar and forced to work for online scam syndicates. In many cases, victims experience passport confiscation, restrictions on freedom of movement, intimidation, violence, and become victims of the criminal act of human trafficking (TPPO).

Kemlu noted that from 20 February 2025 to 16 July 2026, the Indonesian Government, through Kemlu, the Indonesian Embassy in Yangon, the Indonesian Embassy in Bangkok, and relevant ministries and agencies, has facilitated the repatriation of 1,203 Indonesian citizens from online scam centres in Myanmar via Thailand.

"These efforts are a manifestation of the Government’s commitment to providing protection to Indonesian citizens who are victims of exploitation and human trafficking, even though the handling process faces complex challenges," said Kemlu.

The government once again reminded the public not to be easily tempted by overseas job offers that promise high salaries without going through official mechanisms. The public is urged to verify the legality of the company, the type of work, the destination country, and to use placement channels in accordance with regulations to avoid the risk of exploitation and human trafficking.