Indonesia Speeds Up Repatriation of Citizens from Cambodia

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh has intensified coordination with Cambodian authorities to manage the return of thousands of Indonesian nationals, after 2,752 citizens sought repatriation assistance over the past two weeks, with assessments and emergency travel documents expedited as of late January 2026.

Indonesian Ambassador to Cambodia, Santo Darmosumarto, said a total of 2,752 Indonesians had come to the embassy requesting repatriation support. “Some of them have already returned to Indonesia, but the number is relatively small,” he said in a press statement released on Friday, January 30, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

To accelerate the repatriation process, the embassy has stepped up assessments of incoming reports. Around 50 percent of the cases have been assessed so far, with no indication that any of the Indonesians are victims of human trafficking, according to the ambassador.

The embassy has also expedited the issuance of Emergency Travel Documents (SPLP) for Indonesians who do not possess valid passports. These efforts are reinforced by the deployment of a second technical assistance team from Indonesia’s Directorate General of Immigration, which arrived in Phnom Penh on Wednesday night, January 28, and began field operations immediately.

In parallel, the Embassy in Phnom Penh continues to coordinate with Cambodian authorities to seek leniency on immigration fines for Indonesians who have overstayed their visas. As a result of these negotiations, nearly 800 Indonesians have received reduced penalties and have been instructed by local authorities to arrange their return home promptly.

Amid limited capacity at temporary shelters and a steady increase in arrivals, the embassy has urged Indonesians who already hold SPLP documents and have obtained immigration leniency to independently purchase flight tickets and proceed with their return to prevent overcrowding at shelter facilities.

The embassy is also providing special attention to vulnerable individuals and facilitating medical treatment for those in need. To ensure a smooth deportation process, Indonesians are advised to maintain communication with their families in Indonesia, particularly regarding financial support for travel expenses. ***