DOI: https://doi.org/10.14710/mmh.55.1.2026.1-20

THE LEGAL PROTECTION FOR INDONESIAN MIGRANT WORKERS VICTIMS OF ONLINE SCAMS

*Achmad Murtadho  -  Faculty of Law and Business, ITB Yadika Pasuruan, Indonesia
Elsa Assari  -  Faculty of Law and Business, ITB Yadika Pasuruan, Indonesia
Sylvia Mufarrochah  -  Faculty of Law and Business, ITB Yadika Pasuruan, Indonesia
Febri Falisa Putri  -  Faculty of Law and Business, ITB Yadika Pasuruan, Indonesia
Nazura Abdul Manap orcid  -  Faculty of Law, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Malaysia
Open Access Copyright (c) 2026 Masalah-Masalah Hukum under http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0.

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Abstract

Protecting Indonesian migrant workers who become victims of online scams has emerged as a critical legal issue, particularly as fraudulent job advertisements in sectors such as technology and customer services are increasingly used as fronts for transnational cybercrime networks. Despite the existence of several regulatory instruments in Indonesia, including Law No. 18 of 2017 and Law No. 1 of 2024, migrant workers remain vulnerable to online fraud due to regulatory gaps, weak supervision, and the transnational nature of cybercrime. This study aims to examine the forms of legal protection available for Indonesian migrant workers who become victims of online scams. The research employs a normative juridical method by analyzing statutory regulations, legal principles, and relevant doctrines related to migrant worker protection and cybercrime. The findings indicate that legal protection is implemented through preventive and repressive mechanisms. Preventive measures include educational prevention, verification of recruitment processes, and supervision of placement agencies, particularly during the pre-placement stage. Repressive measures consist of non-judicial mechanisms, such as mediation and administrative sanctions, as well as judicial enforcement through criminal investigations and court proceedings. Furthermore, the application of extraterritorial jurisdiction under the Information and Electronic Transactions Law provides a legal basis for addressing cross-border cybercrime targeting Indonesian migrant workers. These findings highlight the importance of strengthening regulatory enforcement, inter-agency coordination, and international cooperation to ensure effective legal protection for migrant workers in the digital era.

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Keywords: Legal Protection; Migrant Workers; Victims; Online Scams

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