Riza, Jakarta – At least 11 Indonesian migrant workers from Sukabumi, West Java, have been trafficked into Myanmar for forced labor after initially traveling to Thailand for jobs, according to the local workers' union on Thursday.

The workers entered Thailand with entry visas but were later transferred to Myanmar against their will by their employers, said Jejen Nurjanah, chairwoman of the Sukabumi branch of the Indonesian Migrant Workers' Union (SBMI).

"It's clear they are victims of a human trafficking syndicate. They were promised administrative jobs with high salaries in a Thai company," Jejen said.

She added that the workers are being held in a conflict zone in Myanmar, making repatriation efforts difficult.

"The Indonesian embassy has no authority to intervene in the conflict-ridden region, and the situation is dangerous because rebel groups control the area," she explained, citing a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Videos showing the Indonesian workers being held at an undisclosed location in Myanmar have surfaced on social media in recent days.

Dania Ramadhan, 23, said his uncle is one of the victims, but little is known about his condition.

"He initially worked in Thailand but was later moved to Myanmar. We don't have any details about his current job," Dania said. "We hope the government can help bring these workers home soon."

Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/news/11-indonesian-workers-abducted-in-myanmar-unio