1.273 Indonesian Citizens Ex-Online Fraud Syndicate Can Get Removal of Overstaying Fines from the Cambodian Government

Repatriation of Indonesian citizens from Cambodia. (Source: Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh)

JAKARTA - More than 1,200 Indonesian citizens (WNI) ex-scam syndicate from obtaining the removal of overstay fines from the Cambodian Government, while the Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh continues to make efforts to protect WNI in the Kingdom of Angkor Wat.

The Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh has again obtained approval from the Cambodian government regarding the removal of overstay fines for 1,273 Indonesian citizens, former online fraud syndicates who applied for repatriation assistance to Indonesia.

"With the addition of this approval, a total of 5,950 Indonesian citizens have received the cancellation of overstay fines," the Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh said in a statement as quoted on Saturday (23/5).

Furthermore, the Indonesian Embassy explained that the Indonesian citizens were part of foreign citizens who were affected by the online fraud eradication operation which has been intensified by the Cambodian Government since the beginning of 2026.

In the period from mid-January to 22 May 2026, the number of people who reported and asked for assistance to the Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh was recorded at 9,537 Indonesian citizens.

Most of the Indonesian citizens handled by the Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh admitted that they had difficulties returning to Indonesia, ranging from not having a passport, being burdened with a large amount of overstay fines, to the limitation of costs for buying return tickets. Handling cases has become increasingly complex due to the high number of Indonesian citizens who need assistance at the same time.

The Acting Head of the Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh, Krishnajie, said that his party continued to strive to optimize protection and facilitation of repatriation for Indonesian citizens amid the increasing number of cases due to the ongoing online fraud eradication operation.

"The Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh continues to facilitate the removal of the overstay fine, which is a form of support from the Cambodian Government to accelerate the repatriation of Indonesian citizens. The Embassy urges all Indonesian citizens who have obtained travel documents and approval for the removal of fines to immediately return to Indonesia," said KUAI at the Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh.

Until May 22, 2026, the Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh has facilitated 3,630 Indonesian citizens to return to Indonesia. The Cambodian government itself emphasized that Indonesian citizens who have obtained the removal of the overstay fine must immediately return to Indonesia by no later than June 15, 2026.

In addition to facing immigration administration issues, some Indonesian citizens also experience financial difficulties to meet basic needs while waiting for the repatriation process.

For this reason, the Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh provides temporary shelter facilities for Indonesian citizens in need. Currently, the capacity of the shelter has reached its maximum limit by accommodating around 300 Indonesian citizens.

The Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh again reminded Indonesian citizens who have received a Passport Travel Letter (SPLP) and/or approval for the removal of overstay fines to immediately leave Cambodia and return to Indonesia.

This step is necessary to provide space for other Indonesian citizens who are still waiting for administrative and repatriation processes.

On the other hand, in addition to Indonesian citizens who came to report independently to the Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh, there are currently around 400 Indonesian citizens who are ex-online fraud networks that were caught by the Cambodian police and were placed in a number of detention facilities.

On May 21-22, 2026, the KBRI Phnom Penh team had conducted a consular visit to 265 Indonesian citizens who were in detention in Bati, Takeo Province, to ensure their condition and identify the need for the repatriation process to Indonesia.

The Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh emphasized its commitment to continue providing consular assistance and protection for all Indonesian citizens who face legal and immigration problems in Cambodia, and urged the Indonesian people to be more vigilant about job offers abroad that are unclear in terms of legality and credibility.