Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Thousands of Indonesian Nationals in Cambodia Claim to be Professional Scammers, Not Trafficking Victims

JAKARTA — The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that approximately four thousand Indonesian nationals (WNI) in Cambodia requesting repatriation are not human trafficking victims, with many even admitting to being professional scammers.

Heni Hamidah, Acting Director of WNI Protection, reported that from 16 January through 25 February, a total of 4,882 Indonesian nationals filed reports with the Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh requesting assistance with repatriation to Indonesia.

“Of these 4,882 WNI, 4,680 have undergone preliminary assessment by the Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh, with no cases identified as victims of human trafficking (TPPO),” Hamidah stated at a press conference at the Foreign Ministry office on Friday (27 February 2026).

“In fact, the majority admitted to working professionally in the online scamming sector,” she added.

An additional 111 Indonesian nationals returned to Indonesia on Thursday evening (26 February 2026). Currently, 900 WNI remain in temporary shelters coordinated by the Indonesian Embassy and local authorities.

Hamidah noted that Cambodia’s crackdown on online scamming has become a national campaign. The policy follows international pressure and reputational damage to Cambodia resulting from scamming activities.

“On 15 January 2026, the Cambodian government launched operations targeting locations suspected of operating scam compounds,” she explained.

As a direct result, many facilities operating online scams have been shut down, causing foreign nationals, including Indonesians, to lose their bases of operation.

Hamidah stated that the Foreign Ministry is currently coordinating with relevant ministries and agencies to explore options for accelerating the repatriation of remaining Indonesian nationals in Cambodia.

“We are also promoting legal enforcement processes in Indonesia against all former members of online fraud syndicates from Cambodia,” she concluded.