1.726 Indonesian Citizens Report to the Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh, Ambassador Santo Listen to Aspirations and Emphasize Government Assistance Commitment
JAKARTA - The Indonesian Ambassador to Cambodia Santo Darmo Sumarto listened directly to the aspirations of Indonesian citizens (WNI) who reported to the Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh, confirming the commitment of the Indonesian Government to provide assistance, as the number of those who came to the embassy continued to increase.
In a written statement, the Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh said "will continue to improve data collection and comprehensive handling measures for the surge in the number of Indonesian citizens who came to the Indonesian Embassy after successfully escaping from online scam syndicates in various regions of Cambodia."
"The Indonesian Embassy is intensifying communication and coordination with relevant agencies, both in Indonesia and in Cambodia," the Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh wrote in its statement received by VOI.id, Thursday (22/1).
Wednesday evening local time, Ambassador Santo met directly with about 100 Indonesian citizens who were around the Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh. On this occasion, the Indonesian Ambassador listened to the aspirations of the Indonesian people and explained the protective measures that have been and will be taken.
The Indonesian citizens hope for assistance in facilitating their return to their homeland.
"The Indonesian Ambassador emphasized the commitment of the Indonesian Government to continue to provide facilitation and assistance to all Indonesian citizens in need," wrote the Indonesian Embassy.
It is known that the Cambodian government has intensified its efforts to eradicate online fraud since January 16, 2026, which has resulted in the dissolution of a number of syndicate operating locations.
This condition caused thousands of foreign nationals to leave syndicate locations, including Indonesian citizens.
Until January 21, 2026 at 23.00, a total of 1,726 Indonesian citizens came directly (walk-in) to the Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh in the period 16-21 January 2026.
On January 21, there were an additional 269 Indonesian citizens, lower than the increase on January 20 (344 Indonesian citizens) and January 19 (520 Indonesian citizens), which indicates that the arrival rate has begun to decline.
In handling this case, the Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh, in coordination with related institutions in the country, has and continues to take the necessary steps, ranging from data collection and facilitation of the issuance of a Provisional Travel Document (SPLP) for Indonesian citizens who do not have travel documents; special attention to vulnerable Indonesian citizens, including facilitation of medical care for those in need; implementation of interviews and assessments to identify possible indications of victims of Human Trafficking (TPPO); facilitation of finding temporary accommodation for Indonesian citizens while waiting for the repatriation process; and facilitation of communication between Indonesian citizens and their families in Indonesia.
On the other hand, the Indonesian Embassy also carried out intensive coordination with the relevant authorities in Cambodia and has obtained a commitment to accelerate the deportation process, including easing immigration procedures.
"The Indonesian Ambassador has met with the Deputy Prime Minister/Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cambodia Prak Sokhonn, as well as Senior Minister and Chairman of the Cambodian Committee for Combating Online Fraud (CCOS) Chhay Sinarith, to obtain the commitment of the Cambodian authorities regarding the ease of the deportation process of Indonesian citizens," explained the Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh.
"The Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh will continue to monitor the development of the situation and ensure that all Indonesian citizens affected receive consular protection and assistance in accordance with applicable regulations," concluded the Indonesian Embassy.