Tangerang Case Highlights Risks of Unregistered Overseas Job Recruitment

The Tangerang Regency Manpower Agency (Disnaker) said an Indonesian citizen from the regency, Muhamad Nikola Dewantara, is currently being held by Cambodian authorities over alleged links to an online scam network.

Agency Head Rudi Lesmana said information obtained from Nikola's mother, Indah Nurhayati, showed that Nikola left Indonesia in April 2026. "He left from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang, Banten, via Malaysia to Vietnam before continuing to Cambodia to work at a restaurant there," Rudi said on Monday, September 14, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

Authorities believe Nikola traveled abroad through an illegal recruitment arrangement after receiving a job offer through the messaging application Telegram, which promised a high salary.

However, after working in Cambodia for about a month, Nikola and several other workers were reportedly detained during a security operation targeting an alleged online fraud network.

"Based on the report we received, only one Indonesian citizen has been detained there because he was suspected of being part of a scam network," Rudi said.

He added that Nikola remains in custody and has not been able to return to Indonesia because local police reportedly suspect him of serving as a leader at the workplace, which is believed to have been linked to scam-related activities.

Rudi said the information was obtained from a chronology report submitted on September 11, based on statements provided by Nikola's mother.

In response to the case, the Tangerang Regency administration has coordinated with the Indonesian Foreign Affairs Ministry and submitted an official request seeking confirmation of Nikola's status and assistance in facilitating his return.

Local administrations also hope the Foreign Affairs Ministry and the Indonesian diplomatic mission in Cambodia will provide consular support and further assistance while the case is being processed. "The Tangerang Regency administration has already sent a letter to the Foreign Affairs Ministry. The request is currently being processed," Rudi said.

The case has drawn attention to the growing risks faced by Indonesians who accept overseas employment offers through unofficial channels, particularly those advertised on social media and messaging platforms with promises of high pay. Authorities continue to urge job seekers to verify recruitment agencies and employment contracts through official government channels before accepting work abroad. ***\

https://www.antaranews.com/berita/5740613/wni-ditahan-kepolisian-kamboja-diduga-terlibat-scam