Two Indonesian Prospective Migrant Workers Foiled at Soekarno-Hatta Airport in Cambodia Online Gambling Scam
Two Indonesian prospective migrant workers (CPMI) were intercepted at Soekarno-Hatta Airport. Both were promised jobs as online gambling admins in Cambodia under the guise of a holiday.
Soekarno-Hatta Airport Police Residency’s crime investigation unit chief, Kompol Yandri Mono, explained the case was uncovered after officers received information about two CPMI departing for Cambodia via Terminal 3 International of Soekarno-Hatta Airport on Saturday, 17 January 2026 at around 11:00 WIB.
Both CPMI, identified as AG from Garut and SP from North Jakarta, were due to travel via TransNusa Airlines from Jakarta to Kuala Lumpur with a connecting ticket on Cambodia Airways to Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
‘Following investigations, both admitted to being recruited via social media and a WhatsApp group named “Liburaaannnnn”,’ Yandri stated in a written statement to journalists on Wednesday (27 May 2026).
Promised Online Gambling Admin Role
The two CPMI were promised work as online gambling administrators (judol) with a monthly salary of approximately Rp 10 million. They were also assured no travel costs would be incurred.
‘RR is suspected of arranging travel tickets, directing the departure process, and connecting the CPMI with individuals assisting with check-in and immigration checks at the airport,’ Yandri added.
During the investigation, police also interviewed a man identified as RR. He confessed to being asked by someone identified as F to assist the two CPMI. ‘RR admitted receiving a payment of Rp 500,000 for helping with the airport departure process,’ he said.
Findings revealed the CPMI were sent illegally without going through an Indonesian Migrant Worker Placement Company (P3MI). They also lacked migrant worker protection documents, had not undergone job training, pre-departure briefings, or insurance coverage.
Police seized evidence including the CPMI’s two passports and boarding passes for flights to Kuala Lumpur and Phnom Penh. The perpetrators face charges under Article 83 in conjunction with Article 68 and/or Article 81 in conjunction with Article 69 of Law No. 18 of 2017 on the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers. ‘They face a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to Rp 15 billion,’ Yandri stated.
From January to May 2026, Soekarno-Hatta Airport Police Residency has thwarted 89 illegal CPMI departures bound for Cambodia, Vietnam, and Thailand.