Trafficking surge linked to fake job offers

Indonesia's National Human Rights Commission reports 7,628 human trafficking cases linked to online scams in 2025. Criminals target skilled young workers with promises of high salaries.

“These scams target highly skilled individuals, mainly men from Generation Z and the millennial generation, using fake job offers that promise high salaries.”

Victims endure extreme abuse across borders

Syndicates operate across Cambodia, Philippines, Laos and Myanmar. Victims face physical torture, forced labour for 14 to 18 hours daily, and denial of medical care.

Cambodia records over 4,300 cases

Cambodia has recorded more than 4,300 trafficking cases linked to online scams, making it the primary destination country for victims from Indonesia and the region.

Victims must not face prosecution

Komnas HAM Commissioner Uli Parulian Sihombing says law enforcement must apply the non-punishment principle to victims forced to commit crimes under life-threatening threats.

Foreign Affairs must review bilateral deals

Komnas HAM urges the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to review agreements with destination countries, particularly Cambodia, to establish victim protection and enable joint investigations.

Police and immigration must stop departures

The Indonesian National Police and Directorate General of Immigration must increase action against individuals and groups facilitating unauthorized departure of migrant workers.

Prevention requires cyber patrols and training

Sihombing calls for extensive cyber patrols, public awareness campaigns targeting socioeconomic vulnerabilities, human rights training for frontline officers, and enhanced capacity to trace digital evidence.

“Prevention must be strengthened through extensive cyber patrols, public awareness campaigns targeting underlying socioeconomic vulnerabilities, and enhanced law enforcement capacity to trace digital evidence and uncover transnational syndicates.”