Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh: Requests for Assistance from Online Scam Victims Increasing
The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia (KBRI) in Phnom Penh has stated that the number of Indonesian citizens (WNI) who are former workers in online scam networks seeking assistance is steadily increasing. The number of Indonesians involved in online scam cases has seen a sharp rise.
“The number of Indonesian citizens requesting repatriation facilitation continues to grow every day,” said the Chargé d’Affaires ad interim (KUAI) of KBRI Phnom Penh, Krishnajie, on Tuesday (2/6/2026).
He urged Indonesian citizens who have already obtained Emergency Travel Documents (SPLP) and received approval for the waiver of overstay fines to purchase tickets and return to Indonesia immediately. “We urge Indonesian citizens whose documents are finalised and who have obtained overstay fine waivers to return to Indonesia promptly, so that the handling of other citizens can proceed more optimally,” he said.
Krish $ ext{njie}$ also warned that Cambodian authorities are becoming increasingly strict towards foreign nationals suspected of involvement in online scam activities. “KBRI Phnom Penh reminds Indonesian citizens who are still attempting to engage in online scam activities in Cambodia to abandon such intentions and comply with local regulations, or risk facing more serious legal charges,” he added.
Embassy data shows a significant spike in cases throughout this year. Between 16 January and 31 May 2026, 10,151 Indonesian citizens reported to KBRI Phnom Penh to obtain repatriation facilitation to Indonesia. This figure far exceeds the numbers from the previous year; throughout 2025, KBRI Phnom Penh handled 5,088 cases. In contrast, in just the first five months of 2026, the recorded number of cases reached 10,287, more than double the total for the entire previous year.
In addition to those who approached the Embassy directly, hundreds of other Indonesians were caught in raids at several locations suspected of being hubs for online scam activities. They were subsequently placed in detention centres while awaiting deportation processes.
Currently, it is estimated that approximately 400 Indonesian citizens remain in detention facilities scattered across various regions of Cambodia. However, the repatriation process cannot be carried out quickly because most of them do not possess passports and must face substantial overstay fines.
Due to these circumstances, the Embassy must issue Emergency Travel Documents (SPLP), conduct identity verification, and coordinate intensively with Cambodian authorities to seek waivers for overstay fines. While waiting for these processes, KBRI Phnom Penh provides selective temporary shelter for some Indonesian citizens experiencing economic hardship.
The high volume of applicants means that the available shelter capacity has now reached its maximum limit. Meanwhile, other citizens must independently meet their housing and daily living needs while waiting for the resolution of their documents and repatriation.
Despite ongoing repatriation efforts, the number of citizens successfully returned to Indonesia has not been able to keep pace with the rate of new complaints arriving daily. From late January to 31 May 2026, 3,879 Indonesian citizens were facilitated for their return to Indonesia. During the same period, 5,950 Indonesian citizens received approval for overstay fine waivers from the local authorities.