Serang Youth Becomes TPPO Victim in Cambodia, Walks 23 Hours to Escape
A youth from Serang City, Banten, Caderra Pasqy Naiga Prasasty, claims to have become a victim of human trafficking (TPPO) and was forced to work as an online scammer in Cambodia. He says he was frequently tortured at his workplace and had to struggle to escape by walking for 23 hours.
Caderra shared his story when meeting the Mayor of Serang, Budi Rustandi, on Tuesday (31/3/2026). He was accompanied by his mother, Repelitawati. Caderra mentioned that he was initially offered a job at a restaurant in Vietnam.
Caderra said the syndicate covered the costs of his ticket and accommodation for the trip. He departed via Batam to Malaysia, then was flown to Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam.
Upon arriving in Vietnam, Caderra and dozens of other Indonesian citizens (WNI) were loaded onto a bus. They travelled for 18 hours, crossing the border into Cambodia.
“When we woke up, we were already in Cambodia. We were immediately confined in a scam company,” said Caderra.
He claims he was held captive in the Prey Veng area. He did not work at the promised Vietnamese restaurant but was forced to become an online fraudster targeting victims in Singapore, Malaysia, and Brunei Darussalam. He received a salary of USD 100 at the start of his employment.
“After that, I was tortured. Because I was also sold to another company for USD 3,500,” he stated.
Caderra mentioned that if targets were not met, he and other workers would be physically tortured and electrocuted. He says he grew weary of the abuse and finally gathered the courage to escape along with about 22 other WNI.
Caderra and the others boldly broke out of the company and walked 125 kilometres to the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia (KBRI) in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
“From the company in Prey Veng to the KBRI, 125 kilometres, we all walked, 23 hours non-stop, from night until the next night,” said Caderra.
“Because if we didn’t escape, we would be electrocuted again,” he added.
Caderra Faces Overstay Fine
Upon arriving at the KBRI in Phnom Penh, Caderra was placed in shelter and learned he had to pay an overstay fine. He then contacted his family in Indonesia for help.
Caderra’s mother, Repelitawati, said she was confused because her son had to pay hundreds of millions of rupiah in fines and about Rp 8 million for the return ticket. She then tried to communicate with the Serang City Government.
Mayor of Serang, Budi Rustandi, heard the story and intended to help bring Caderra home. He says he used personal funds to repatriate the Serang resident.
“We have no state funds. Alhamdulillah, I used my personal budget; it will be arranged immediately. I am moved because I am happy this child has returned to Serang City,” said Budi.
Repelitawati also expressed her thanks to Budi Rustandi and the Serang City Government staff. She said that thanks to the assistance, her child could return to his hometown.
“I express my deepest gratitude. If not for you, who else would care for our children,” she added.