Indonesian Citizens Tried To Work In Cambodian Casinos And Online Gambling, Ministry Of Foreign Affairs: 162 People Returned, Five Following Next Week

Illustration of Indonesian migrant workers. (BETWEEN PHOTO/MNKanwa/foc)

JAKARTA - Hundreds of Indonesian citizens (WNI) have been rescued from exploitation in casinos and online gambling in Cambodia, after previously being lured by decent jobs and high salaries.

The Director of Protection for Indonesian Citizens at the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Judha Nugraha, explained that the number of Indonesian citizens who were cheated and experienced exploitation working at casinos and online gambling in Cambodia reached 188 people.

"Over the past year, there were 117 cases. Meanwhile, in the first quarter of 2022, there were 71 cases. This figure is thought to be the iceberg," said Judha in a virtual press statement Thursday, April 21.

He further explained that these hundreds of victims came from various regions in Indonesia, such as North Sumatra, West Kalimantan to Jakarta. They were promised to work at a Cambodian startup company as customer service.

"The conditions are light, they are promised a large income. They are sent from Jakarta to Phnom Penh with a transit in Singapore. Upon arrival in Cambodia, they are immediately exploited to work in casinos and online gambling," said Judha.

Not only that, these migrant workers also experience debt bondage, communication restrictions, excessive working hours to violence. Luckily, they were rescued.

"Of the 188 Indonesian citizens, 162 of them were successfully repatriated, five will follow next week. Others are still in Cambodia to undergo further investigations," said Judha.

He added that the legal handling of this case, apart from being carried out by the Cambodian authorities. Domestically, the handling is carried out by the Police in synergy with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

"Be careful about offers to work abroad with light requirements and large salaries. Check the credibility of the company. If you work abroad, you must comply with applicable laws," said Judha.