Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh Secures Overstay Fine Waivers for Nearly 6,000 Indonesians

Phnom Penh - The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia (KBRI) in Phnom Penh has again secured approval from the Cambodian government to waive overstay fines for 1,273 Indonesian nationals who were members of a former online scam syndicate, bringing the total to 5,950 people. In a statement received in Jakarta on Saturday, the KBRI explained that the Indonesians who received waivers and longer stays are part of foreign nationals affected by the crackdown on online scams that the Cambodian government has intensified since early 2026. Between mid-January and 22 May 2026, 9,537 Indonesians had reported to and sought assistance from the KBRI Phnom Penh. Of these, 3,630 have been facilitated to return to Indonesia. Interim Chargé d’Affaires (KUAI) of the KBRI Phnom Penh, Krishnajie, said the KBRI continues to optimise protection and facilitation of repatriation for Indonesian nationals in the face of increasing cases as the crackdown on online scams continues to this day. “The KBRI Phnom Penh continues to facilitate the waivers of overstay fines, which form part of Cambodia’s support to expedite the repatriation of Indonesians. The KBRI urges all Indonesians who have obtained travel documents or waivers of fines to return to Indonesia promptly,” said KUAI Krishnajie. Krishnajie explained that most Indonesians report difficulties returning home, ranging from not having a passport, being burdened by large overstay fines, and limited funds to buy return tickets. Case handling is becoming more complex due to the high number of Indonesians needing assistance at the same time. For Indonesians who have received waivers, the Cambodian government has given a deadline of 15 June 2026 for them to return home. In addition to immigration administrative issues, some Indonesians are also experiencing financial difficulties meeting basic needs while awaiting repatriation. Therefore, the KBRI Phnom Penh provides temporary accommodation for Indonesians in need. The capacity of the accommodation has already reached its maximum, housing around 300 Indonesians. The KBRI Phnom Penh again reminded Indonesians who have received the Travel Document in Lieu of Passport (SPLP) and/or waivers of overstay fines to depart Cambodia and return to Indonesia as soon as possible. This step is necessary to free up space for other Indonesians awaiting processing and repatriation. Beyond those who self-reported, the KBRI Phnom Penh notes that there are about 400 former online scam network Indonesians who have been rounded up in police raids and placed in detention facilities. During 21-22 May 2026, the KBRI Phnom Penh’s consular team conducted visits to 265 Indonesians detained at the Bati detention facility, Takeo Province, to ascertain their conditions and identify needs for repatriation to Indonesia.