Rising Scam Cases Push Indonesia to Intensify Migrant Worker Protection

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The surge in Indonesian citizens ensnared by online job scams in Cambodia has prompted the Ministry of Indonesian Migrant Workers Protection (P2MI) to sharpen its public communication strategy.

Officials say stronger outreach is vital to raise awareness of non‑procedural recruitment schemes that continue to exploit vulnerable job seekers.

A recent focus group discussion (FGD) hosted by the North Sumatra Migrant Worker Protection Center (BP3MI) examined “Government Communication Strategies in Handling Online Scammers in Cambodia.”

Lecturer Nani Nurani Muksin of Jakarta Muhammadiyah University (UMJ explained that transnational syndicates use social media, instant messaging apps, and fake job postings to lure victims with promises of high salaries and easy departures.

She stressed that communication must reach productive‑age groups with fast, accurate, and accessible information.

“Education cannot stop at prohibitions. Communities need to understand the modus operandi and the importance of legal migration channels,” Nani said, as quoted by Antara, adding that digital literacy is key to boosting vigilance.

BP3MI North Sumatra Chief Police Sr. Com. Budi Novijanto emphasized collaboration with local administrations, law enforcement, universities, media, and civil society to promote safe migration.

“Do not be tempted by high‑paying job offers on social media without official procedures. Legal placement ensures rights and protection,” he urged.

The urgency is underscored by alarming figures from the Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh. Between January and June 2026, 12,019 Indonesians reported involvement in scam networks and sought assistance to return home--more than double the 5,088 cases recorded in 2025.

Currently, around 676 Indonesians remain in Cambodian detention facilities, including over 500 at the Bati Pre‑Deportation Center in Takeo Province and about 1,250 at Pochentong after police raids in Phnom Penh.

As of June 30, 2026, the embassy facilitated the repatriation of 5,487 citizens and issued 4,368 temporary travel documents for those without passports.

Officials say effective public communication, combined with inter‑agency cooperation, must become part of a national strategy to ensure safe migration and prevent Indonesians from falling victim to transnational job scams. ***