RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The International Organization for Migration (IOM) says it has assisted more than 660 victims of human trafficking linked to online scam operations in Indonesia since 2022. Speaking on World Day Against Trafficking in Persons 2026 held in Jakarta on Thursday, 30 July 2026, authorities warn that the true scale of the crime is likely much larger than official figures show.

IOM Indonesia Chief of Mission Dr. Nedal Odeh said the organization has been supporting the Indonesian government in providing assistance to survivors of trafficking connected to online scam networks.

"Since 2022, IOM has supported the government of Indonesia in assisting over 660 victims of trafficking linked to online scams," he said.

Odeh stressed that the figures represent real people whose lives have been deeply affected by exploitation. "Behind every number is a person. They deserve protection, dignity, and a second chance," he added.

Government data also point to the broader challenge of human trafficking in Indonesia. According to the Ministry of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection (KemenPPPA), the national SIMFONI PPA database recorded more than 2,000 identified victims of trafficking between 2021 and 2025. The victims included around 1,200 adult women, 37 adult men, and 920 girls.

The Deputy for the Protection of Women's Rights at the ministry, Desy Andriani, said the official numbers likely capture only a fraction of the actual cases. She described human trafficking as "the tip of the iceberg", noting that many incidents remain unreported because victims are often unable or afraid to seek help.

In response, the ministry has expanded efforts to prevent trafficking, including digitizing its gender-responsive and victim-centered prevention and case management modules to an online platform. The initiative is aimed at improving public awareness, promoting safe migration practices, and creating a safer digital environment for women and children amid growing risks of online exploitation.

“May this serve as a good opportunity to raise awareness and promote education so that the public can recognize the dangers or threats of human trafficking in their communities, understand safe migration procedures, and create a safe and welcoming digital space for women and children,” Desy said, expressing hope for a strengthened digital protection against cyber-facilitated human trafficking.