JAKARTA – In a chilling account of deception and desperation, Ms. Mawar (a pseudonym), a 26-year-old mother of two, embarked on what she thought was a promising career move in December 2024. Driven by economic hardship in her hometown of Medan, North Sumatra, she was convinced by a friend to take a telemarketing job that supposedly offered a lucrative salary of US$800 (approximately S$1,070) per month with a company based in Myanmar.

With dreams of a better future, Ms. Mawar packed her belongings and set off on her journey, first flying to Bangkok via Jakarta, and then crossing the border into Myanmar by land. However, her hopes quickly turned into a nightmare. Upon arrival, she discovered that the job was a cover for a large-scale human trafficking operation, where individuals were ensnared into participating in scams targeting unsuspecting victims worldwide.

Survivors of these compounds describe harrowing experiences of abuse, exploitation, and confinement. They recount being forced to work long hours, often under threats and physical violence, to scam money from innocent people through fraudulent services. This grave situation is not isolated; it has become a widespread problem affecting countless individuals from various countries who are lured by the promise of legitimate employment.

Ms. Mawar, like many others, was sold into a system that treated human lives like commodities, highlighting a grim reality that often goes unnoticed in the narratives of those seeking better opportunities abroad. The Indonesian government has been urged to take action to protect its citizens from falling victim to such scams, as more victims come forward with their traumatic experiences.

As the plight of these individuals comes to light, it’s imperative to raise awareness about the dangers of human trafficking and the scams that are preying on vulnerable populations. The stories of resilience from survivors like Ms. Mawar serve as a crucial reminder of the need for vigilance and protection against such heinous crimes in today’s interconnected world.