Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesia’s National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) has called for stronger coordination among ministries and government agencies to combat human trafficking linked to online scams, a crime that is increasingly evolving into a form of cyber slavery.
Komnas HAM Commissioner for Research and Study Uli Parulian Sihombing said in a statement on Sunday that the commission’s latest findings showed that the number of human trafficking cases linked to online scams had surged to 7,628 in 2025.
“These scams target highly skilled individuals, mainly men from Generation Z and the millennial generation, using fake job offers that promise high salaries,” Sihombing said.
He added that the criminal syndicates operated across several countries, including Cambodia, which recorded more than 4,300 cases, as well as the Philippines, Laos, and Myanmar. Victims reportedly endured physical torture, were forced to work for 14 to 18 hours a day, and were denied access to medical care.
Sihombing stressed that law enforcement agencies must apply the non-punishment principle to victims who are forced to commit crimes under threats of life-threatening consequences if they fail to meet scam targets. This is necessary to prevent victims from being criminalized twice, he said.
To ensure a systematic and integrated response, Komnas HAM has put forward several key recommendations for relevant ministries and government agencies.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been urged to review bilateral agreements with destination countries, particularly Cambodia, to establish victim protection mechanisms and facilitate joint investigations into human trafficking syndicates operating through digital platforms.
In terms of law enforcement, the Indonesian National Police (Polri) and the Directorate General of Immigration have been urged to step up action against individuals and groups facilitating the unauthorized departure of Indonesian migrant workers.
Komnas HAM has also called for human rights training for frontline officers to help them identify indicators of online scam operations and distinguish victims from perpetrators.
The Ministry of Social Affairs has been urged to expand victim recovery services, including psychological support, trauma care, economic empowerment programs, and job training.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Indonesian Migrant Worker Protection has been encouraged to strengthen migrant workers’ digital literacy.
Komnas HAM also emphasized that combating these crimes requires closer cooperation with the Financial Services Authority (OJK), the Coordinating Ministry for Political and Security Affairs, and the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs.
“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,” Sihombing said.
Beyond prevention and law enforcement, the commission highlighted the need for accurate victim assessments, effective repatriation to Indonesia, fulfillment of victims’ civil registration rights, and psychosocial support. It also called for economic reintegration programs involving local governments.
The commission further called for stronger bilateral and regional diplomacy, including the establishment of joint investigation task forces with destination countries, to improve victim protection and dismantle cross-border human trafficking networks.
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Translator: Devi Nindy, Raka Adji
Editor: Primayanti
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