Troubled Indonesian Citizens In Cambodia Soared, Reached 2,585 Cases As Of June 2025

Phnom Penh, Cambodia/ILLUSTRATION OF UNSPLASH/Kim Eang Eng

JAKARTA - The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia (KBRI) Phnom Penh recorded a double spike in the number of problematic Indonesian citizens (WNI) in Cambodia.

Through the statement of the Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh as reported by ANTARA, the Indonesian Embassy has handled 2,585 problematic cases of Indonesian citizens during January-June 2025.

This figure shows a 2-fold increase compared to the same period in the previous year and it is predicted that the total number of cases will continue to grow, far beyond last year's statistics.

"Involving this trend, the Indonesian Embassy always urges Indonesian citizens to be careful in accepting job offers that are unclear and full of the lure of high financial benefits," said the Indonesian Embassy statement as quoted by ANTARA, Tuesday, July 15.

In 2024, according to Cambodian Immigration data, Indonesian citizens who have a residence permit in Cambodia have more than 131,000 people. Most of them live in Preah Sihanouk, Banteay Meanchey, Kandal, and Svay Rieng Provinces.

However, in recent months, the Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh has also received complaints from Indonesian citizens in the provinces with increasing numbers.

Responding to this, the Indonesian Embassy proactively picked up the ball by visiting a number of provinces, to have a dialogue and coordinate with local parties and verify information and developing conditions.

One of them, as did the Indonesian Ambassador to Cambodia, Santo Darmosumarto, through a series of visits to Kampot and Kep Provinces to meet with police chiefs in each province, earlier this month.

In the two meetings, Ambassador Santo emphasized the importance of close cooperation between the Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh and the regional police in strengthening efforts to serve and protect Indonesian citizens in Cambodia.

"The synergy between the Indonesian Embassy and law enforcers in various provinces is the main foundation in ensuring optimal service, security and protection for Indonesian citizens," said Ambassador Santo.

In Kampot Province, Ambassador Santo met with Major General Mao Chanmaturith and expressed his appreciation for the support of the Kampot Police so far.

Throughout January-June 2025, the Kampot Police have followed up on the Indonesian Embassy's report and secured 39 Indonesian citizens from online scam syndicates.

In addition, based on complaints from residents who entered through Hotline Police 117, information was obtained that the Kampot Police had handled 21 cases involving 71 Indonesian citizens.

Meanwhile, in Kep Province, Ambassador Santo met with Major General Sambath Sothearoth.

He explained that the number of Indonesian citizens in Kep is still relatively small or less than 50 people.

Until now, none of them have been involved in legal cases.

Nevertheless, Major General Sambath emphasized his commitment to continue to support the diplomatic mission to protect the Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh.