RRI.CO.ID, Phnom Penh – Indonesia and Cambodia have agreed to strengthen cooperation in combating transnational crime, particularly online scams, by establishing a more effective operational cooperation mechanism, including plans to set up an Indonesian Desk at the Headquarters of the Cambodian National Police. The agreement was one of the key outcomes of Indonesia's Vice Foreign Minister, Arif Havas Oegroseno’s working visit to Phnom Penh, Cambodia, from July 27 to 29, 2026, accompanied by a cross-ministerial and inter-agency delegation.

According to a statement from Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs received in Jakarta on Tuesday, August 3, 2026, Vice Foreign Minister Havas held a bilateral meeting with Senior Minister Chhay Sinarith, Head of the Secretariat of the Commission for Combating Online Scams (CCOS), and paid a courtesy call on Cambodian Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Interior H.E. Dr. Sar Sokha.

Through the Indonesian Desk mechanism, both countries aim to accelerate information sharing, support investigations, and strengthen the handling of online scam cases involving Indonesian nationals.

Indonesia also offered capacity-building support for Cambodian law enforcement officers through training on compliance with Financial Action Task Force (FATF) standards, financial forensic skills, and cybersecurity. The offer was welcomed by the Cambodian Government as part of broader efforts to strengthen institutional capacity and bilateral cooperation in addressing transnational crime.

The two sides also discussed expediting the renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Preventing and Combating Transnational Crimes and Enhancing Capacity Building between the Indonesian National Police and Cambodia’s Ministry of Interior. The updated agreement is expected to provide a stronger legal framework for enhanced law enforcement cooperation and coordination between the two countries.

Indonesia also expressed its support for the International Conference on Combating Online Scams, which will be hosted by the Cambodian Government in September 2026. The conference is expected to serve as a platform for strengthening international cooperation in preventing and combating online scam crimes.

During the visit, Havas inspected the temporary shelter for Indonesian nationals at the Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh to review protection measures and repatriation efforts for Indonesians who had become victims of, or were involved in, online scam cases. He underscored the importance of close coordination among relevant ministries and agencies to ensure comprehensive assistance, including after the affected Indonesian nationals return home.