Indonesia has sought closer cooperation with the Cambodian government to eradicate human trafficking after dozens of Indonesians were trafficked to Cambodia through employment fraud.
Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi met with Cambodian Home Minister Chrollahom Sar Ken in Phnom Penh on Thursday to discuss cooperation to combat rampant human trafficking in Cambodia.
Both sides agreed on the need to promote an agreement on the elimination of transnational crime. Cambodia also agreed to expedite the repatriation of rescued Indonesian victims.
A total of 62 Indonesian citizens rescued Cambodia agreed to phased repatriation according to flight availability, with 12 people deported to Indonesia on Friday.
“Yes, there are flight restrictions, but we can [start the repatriation] By prioritizing vulnerable groups, women and children as early as today.” Indonesian news agency.
At least 298 Indonesians have been victims of fraud and trafficking in Cambodia as of July this year, according to data from the Indonesian Civil Protection Agency. That’s up from 119 Indonesians last year.
Marsudi also met with the Cambodian National Police Chief on Tuesday to discuss cooperation in the management of the remaining unrescued victims, law enforcement and the prevention of similar incidents.
“Cooperation to prevent human trafficking must be strengthened between Indonesia and Cambodia.” Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“Slavery” Conditions
Anis Hidaya, a Jakarta-based migrant care activist, said Indonesian workers were attracted to job listings on social media offering $1,000 a month to work in Cambodia.
They were initially offered jobs as clerks and call center agents, but were then forced to work for online fraud firms for $500 a month or not paid at all. Workers were also fined heavily if they failed to meet their targets or resigned.
“They were subjected to physical violence. Conditions are similar to slavery,” she said. benner news.
One of the victims, who spoke to the media on condition of anonymity, said he was “beaten and given electric shocks” when workers failed to meet their targets and had their passports burned by their employers.
Early February, Beijing Youth Daily report A Chinese man who claims to have fallen victim to fraudulent internet job listings. He was trafficked to Sihanoukville, Cambodia, by a criminal gang and then forced to work in numerous telemarketing fraud schemes.
After he refused to work, the prisoners began to draw blood from him, which endangered his life. The Chinese embassy in Cambodia later revealed that his surname was Lee, confirming some of the reports.
Reuters contributed to this report.
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Aldgra Fredly is a Malaysia-based freelance writer covering Asia Pacific news for The Epoch Times.