Over 3,000 Indonesians Seek Help After Scam Operations in Cambodia

​RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh has received reports from more than 3,000 Indonesian nationals who are former members of online scam syndicates in Cambodia, according to the Indonesian Foreign Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Yvonne Mewengkang, speaking to reporters on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at the ministry's office in Jakarta.

“We have just received an update from our ambassador. As of today, the Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh has recorded more than 3,100 complaints from citizens who managed to leave online scam syndicates. The embassy has acted swiftly and in a coordinated manner, providing data collection, consular assistance, and facilitating the repatriation of these nationals,” she said.

Yvonne revealed that 830 Emergency Travel Documents (SPLP) have been issued to facilitate the return of the affected Indonesian nationals to Indonesia. The issuance of the SPLP was the result of cooperation between the embassy in Phnom Penh, the Foreign Affairs Ministry, and the Directorate General of Immigration.

“We can also inform you that the fines imposed on 722 of our Indonesian nationals have been waived by Cambodian Immigration, following negotiations between the embassy and local authorities,” she continued.

She explained that Indonesian citizens who have not yet been repatriated are currently accommodated in temporary shelters provided by the embassy, while some have opted to rent private housing.

“At present, 1,213 Indonesian nationals are staying in our temporary shelters. All procedures are being carried out with care and proportionality, particularly through the various measures undertaken by the embassy in Phnom Penh to address this issue,” she added.

On the status of former online scam syndicate members after their return to Indonesia, Yvonne emphasized that the government is ensuring their safety and well-being. “Once repatriated, they will be safe and sound. The follow-up process will be coordinated further with the relevant ministries and agencies,” she concluded. (Diffa Sephiawardhani/Sri Wahyuni)