The Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh handles 991 cases of Indonesian citizens involved in online fraud syndicates in four days.

JAKARTA - The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia (KBRI) in Phnom Penh received reports from 911 Indonesian Citizens (WNI) who came directly to the KBRI after leaving the online scam syndicate (online scam) in various regions in Cambodia, within the period of January 16, 2026 to Monday, January 19 afternoon.

The significant increase in the number of Indonesian citizens occurred in line with the instructions of the Prime Minister of Cambodia, Hun Manet, to intensify efforts to eradicate online fraud syndicates throughout Cambodia.

Following the arrest of a number of main perpetrators (masterminds) in various cities, many syndicate networks then disbanded and let their workers out.

Based on the results of the initial assessment of the Indonesian Embassy, in general, the Indonesian citizens are in a safe and healthy condition. Not a few who traveled far from provinces such as Banteay Meanchey and Mondulkiri to the capital Phnom Penh, explained the Indonesian Embassy in its statement, Monday (19/1).

The Indonesian Embassy found various consular problems among the Indonesian citizens, including not having a passport and living in Cambodia with an expired visa (overstay). The majority of Indonesian citizens expressed a desire to return to Indonesia immediately, although a small number still want to stay in Cambodia to find other jobs.

The Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh handles all Indonesian citizens in accordance with the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the protection of Indonesian citizens, as has been implemented in handling 5,508 cases in 2025.

Indonesian citizens who still have passports are directed to immediately return to Indonesia independently, while for those who do not have travel documents, the Indonesian Embassy will issue a Provisional Passport Travel Letter (SPLP) to facilitate the repatriation process, said the Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh.

While waiting for the completion of the immigration process, Indonesian citizens are directed to find temporary accommodation around the Indonesian Embassy, the Indonesian Embassy added.

If totaled, in less than three weeks in January 2026, the Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh has handled more than 1,047 cases of problematic Indonesian citizens. This figure shows a sharp increase compared to 2025.

Last year, the Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh handled a total of 5,088 cases of Indonesian citizens throughout the year. Of the 5,088 cases, 82 percent were related to Indonesian citizens who claimed to be involved in online fraud syndicates.

The Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh appealed to Indonesian citizens who had left the online fraud syndicate to immediately report to the Indonesian Embassy to get assistance for the process of returning to Indonesia.

Meanwhile, to the people in Indonesia, so that they are not easily tempted by unrealistic job offers abroad, with the promise of high salaries and minimum requirements. Do not get involved in online fraud activities abroad.

The Indonesian Embassy also reminded the public to be alert to various fraud schemes in the name of the Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh.