KBRI Phnom Penh Repatriates Thousands of Indonesians Rescued from Online Scams

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - A total of 86 Indonesian citizens were successfully repatriated from Cambodia within the last week after escaping fraudulent online scam networks, according to a statement from the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia (KBRI) in Phnom Penh on Friday, February 6, 2026. 

This recent wave of returnees marks the beginning of a larger effort led by Indonesian Ambassador to Cambodia Santo Darmosumarto to secure the independent return of thousands more citizens currently seeking refuge at the embassy. To ensure a smooth process, the Indonesian diplomatic mission is working tirelessly to verify cases and finalize the documentation for those who have reported their situation, aiming to resolve all pending legal requirements so that the survivors can be reunited with their families in Indonesia.

“The hope is that the Indonesian citizens who have been supported with temporary travel documents by the Embassy and immigration fine waivers by the Cambodian authorities can immediately arrange their return trip to Indonesia as soon as possible,” Santo said in a written statement confirmed on Friday, February 6, 2026, as quoted by Antara. The embassy also recorded that 257 citizens have already purchased flight tickets and are scheduled to return to Indonesia within the next two weeks.

To ensure the return process goes smoothly, KBRI Phnom Penh provides ongoing assistance and maintains close coordination with local airport authorities. Upon arrival in Indonesia, these citizens will undergo examinations by a joint team from various agencies and law enforcement to complete initial assessments previously conducted by the embassy.

Furthermore, KBRI Phnom Penh noted that between January 16 and February 5, 2026, a total of 3,446 Indonesian citizens visited the embassy after leaving scam syndicates in various Cambodian provinces to request repatriation facilities. Of that total, 1,178 citizens are currently staying in temporary shelters awaiting deportation, with their basic needs being met by the embassy in collaboration with local authorities.

To accelerate the return of more citizens, KBRI Phnom Penh is ramping up data collection, verification, case assessments, and the issuance of temporary travel documents (SPLP) for those without passports. Additionally, the embassy has requested immigration fine waivers for nearly 800 citizens from the Cambodian authorities and expects a decision within the next few days. ***

​https://www.antaranews.com/berita/5400650/kbri-catat-wni-korban-sindikat-online-scam-kamboja-berangsur-pulang