Indonesia proposes task force with Cambodia to combat online scams
According to a press statement issued by Indonesia’s Foreign Affairs Ministry on Friday, the proposal was conveyed by Deputy Foreign Minister Arif Havas Oegroseno during a working visit to Phnom Penh from July 27 to 29, 2026, accompanied by an inter-ministerial delegation.
During the visit, Oegroseno met with Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sar Sokha, as well as Senior Minister in Charge of Special Missions and Chairman of the Secretariat of the Commission for Combating Online Scams (CCOS) Chhay Sinarith.
The Cambodian government welcomed the proposal, with the task force expected to focus on coordinating law enforcement efforts against Indonesian nationals involved in online scam networks operating in the country.
Cambodia also responded positively to Indonesia’s offer to provide training for law enforcement officers, including training on meeting Financial Action Task Force (FATF) standards and strengthening digital forensic capabilities.
In addition, Indonesia encouraged the completion of an extension of cooperation between the Indonesian National Police (Polri) and Cambodia’s Ministry of Interior on combating transnational crime and strengthening institutional capacity.
During the meeting, Oegroseno expressed appreciation for Cambodia’s plan to host an international conference on combating online scams in Phnom Penh in September 2026.
“Indonesia supports Cambodia’s initiative and is ready to participate in the conference,” he said.
While in Phnom Penh, he visited a temporary shelter for Indonesian citizens who had been involved in online scam syndicates and are still awaiting repatriation.
During the visit, he received a briefing on the assistance provided by the Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh, including discussions on the legal process the Indonesian citizens will undergo upon their return to Indonesia.
On the sidelines of the visit, he delivered a public lecture on global geopolitical developments, attended by more than 100 Cambodian government officials and members of the diplomatic corps in Phnom Penh.
In his presentation, he emphasized the importance of international cooperation in maintaining regional stability amid intensifying global competition.
“The dynamic geopolitical landscape requires continuous dialogue and mutual understanding to preserve regional stability and strengthen cooperation among countries,” he said.
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Translator: Yoanita, Kenzu