1.618 Indonesian Citizens Ex-Online Scam Syndicate in Cambodia Return to the Country

JAKARTA - The number of Indonesian citizens (WNI) who have left the online scam syndicate camp (online scam) in Cambodia and have returned to the country has reached 1,600 people.

The Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh experienced a surge in Indonesian citizens who came to report themselves, in line with the enforcement of laws taken by the Cambodian authorities against online scam centers in various regions of the country since January 16.

The Director General of Asia, Pacific, Africa of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs who is also the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Cambodia for the period 2023-2026 told VOI.id, the number of Indonesian citizens who reported to the Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh until March 5, 2026 has reached 5,397 people, with 5,352 of them having been subjected to initial assessment.

"The number who have returned to Indonesia is 1,618," Ambassador Santo wrote in a short message received by VOI.id, referring to Indonesian citizens who have returned to the country from January 30 to March 6, 2026, as quoted on Friday (6/3).

Meanwhile, the number of Indonesian citizens who are still in the Pochentong and Sensok shelters is 635 people, wrote Ambassador Santo.

The surge in Indonesian citizens who reported themselves was related to the increase in the Government of Cambodia's efforts to combat online scams. Ambassador Santo in January said that local authorities arrested several masterminds and managers of scam centers.

That caused many scam centers to close and foreign nationals working there sought efforts to return to their respective countries, including those from Indonesia.

"This is massive, not just Indonesia. There are (workers from scam centers) from China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Myanmar, Pakistan, India, even from Japan, South Korea, to unpredictable countries like Turkey," he said.

The ambassador said that this scam center is located in Phnom Penh, around Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville, Kampot to Mondulkiri which is closer to Vietnam.

The Ambassador of Santo confirmed that the surge in Indonesian citizens who reported this was not a new recruit, even some of them had repeatedly come to Cambodia.

The Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh coordinated with Cambodian authorities regarding the handling of Indonesian citizens of the former online scam syndicate. It is recorded that Ambassador Santo, among others, held a meeting with the President of the Senate, who is also the former Prime Minister of Cambodia, Samdech Techo Hun Sen.

The Indonesian Ambassador also held a meeting with Senior Minister and Chairman of the Secretariat of the Commission for Combating Online Scams (CCOS) of Cambodia, Chhay Sinarith on January 19, 2026.

In order to strengthen coordination in security and handling of Indonesian citizens, Ambassador Santo held a meeting with the Deputy National Police Chief of Cambodia and also the Head of the Phnom Penh Police, Lieutenant General Chuon Narin.

Ambassador Santo said Cambodia was very cooperative. The Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh also routinely communicates with local authorities.

"To convey our needs. Among other things, we highlight that many Indonesian citizens overstay and therefore need to be removed," said Ambassador Santo after giving a press conference in Jakarta, Friday (6/3).

The Ambassador of Santo said some time ago, the fine for overstaying in Cambodia reached 10 US dollars per day. The fine is cumulative and many have difficulty paying the fine.

Of the number of Indonesian citizens who reported themselves, those who received immigration fines were 2,884 people.

Considering the large number of Indonesian citizens who reported not having passports, the Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh also processed the issuance of a Provisional Passport Travel Letter (SPLP). So far, 1,949 SPLPs have been issued.

The Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh said in its statement earlier this month that the Cambodian government continues to carry out operations to eradicate online fraud networks in various regions and aims to be free from online scam activities before the Khmer New Year celebrations in mid-April 2026.

The Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh will continue to coordinate with Cambodian authorities and related agencies in Indonesia to ensure the protection and return of Indonesian citizens are carried out safely and orderly.