The number of Indonesian citizens who reported themselves to Cambodia for the Online Scam Network has reached 10,000 people.

The queue of Indonesian citizens who report to the Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh. (Source: Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh)

JAKARTA - The number of Indonesian citizens (WNI) former workers of online scam networks (online scam) who apply for assistance to the Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh continues to increase and until now has not shown any signs of decline.

Since the increase in the number of complaints began in mid-January 2026, precisely in the period from January 16 to May 31, 2026, a total of 10,151 Indonesian citizens have reported to the Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh to obtain repatriation facilitation to Indonesia.

The number reflects a significant increase compared to the previous year.

Throughout 2025, the total number of Indonesian cases handled by the Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh was recorded at 5,088 cases. Meanwhile, in the first five months of 2026, the number of Indonesian cases recorded has reached 10,287 cases, or more than double the total cases throughout 2025.

Although the repatriation process continues to be carried out, the number of Indonesian citizens who have managed to return to Indonesia still cannot keep up with the rate of new complaints received every day.

From the end of January to 31 May 2026, only 3,879 Indonesian citizens have been facilitated to return to Indonesia, while the number of those who have received approval for the removal of overstay fines is 5,950 Indonesian citizens.

KUAI RI Phnom Penh, Krishnajie, appealed to Indonesian citizens who have a Passport Travel Permit (SPLP) and have obtained approval for the removal of overstay fines to immediately buy tickets and return to Indonesia.

"The number of Indonesian citizens who apply for repatriation facilitation continues to increase every day. We appeal to Indonesian citizens whose documents have been completed and have obtained the removal of the overstay fine to immediately return to Indonesia so that the process of handling other Indonesian citizens can take place more optimally," said KUAI RI, launching the statement of the Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh, (2/6).

In addition to Indonesian citizens who came directly to the Indonesian Embassy, there were also hundreds of Indonesian citizens who were caught in raids at various locations suspected of being the center of online fraud activities. They were then placed in a detention center to undergo the deportation process.

Until now, it is estimated that around 400 Indonesian citizens are in detention facilities spread across several regions in Cambodia.

However, the repatriation of Indonesian citizens cannot be carried out immediately. Most Indonesian citizens do not have passports and face a hefty overstay fine.

This condition requires the Indonesian Embassy to issue a SPLP to verify identity, as well as intensive coordination with Cambodian authorities to request the removal of the overstay fine.

While waiting for the process, the Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh provided temporary shelter selectively for some Indonesian citizens who claimed to have economic difficulties.

The high number of Indonesian citizens who need assistance has caused the current shelter capacity to reach its maximum limit. Some other Indonesian citizens meet the needs of housing and daily living costs independently.

KUAI RI reminded, the Cambodian authorities have become increasingly strict against all foreign citizens suspected of being involved in online fraud.

"The Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh reminds Indonesian citizens who are still trying to carry out online fraud activities in Cambodia to immediately abandon their intentions and comply with local regulations or risk facing more serious legal charges," he said.