INDOPOSCO.ID – Indonesia’s Ambassador to Cambodia, Santo Darmosumarto, said hundreds of Indonesian nationals (WNI) have reported to the Indonesian Embassy (KBRI) in Phnom Penh and applied for deportation assistance after leaving online scam syndicates where they had been working.
Ambassador Santo said the surge followed intensified crackdowns on online scam syndicates, as instructed by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, prompting the syndicates to abandon their workers.
“Over the past two days alone, 308 Indonesians have reported as walk-ins to the Embassy after being released by online scam syndicates,” Ambassador Santo said in a statement posted on the KBRI Phnom Penh Instagram account, monitored in Jakarta on Monday (Jan 19, 2026).
According to KBRI Phnom Penh records, a total of 375 Indonesians reported to the Embassy throughout January 2026 after leaving online scam operations, with 243 of them arriving within just two days on Jan 16–17.
On Jan 18, an additional 65 Indonesians with similar backgrounds reported to the Embassy, he said.
Ambassador Santo noted that the Indonesians were generally in safe and healthy condition, but faced varying issues.
“Some are still holding their passports, while others had their passports confiscated by the syndicates. Some have overstayed their visas, while others still hold valid residence permits in Cambodia,” he said.
He added that some Indonesians were “still considering looking for other jobs in Cambodia,” while others wished to return to Indonesia immediately.
Ambassador Santo assured that KBRI Phnom Penh would handle the cases in accordance with standard procedures previously applied to thousands of Indonesians in similar situations.
The Embassy will also step up coordination with local authorities and other relevant parties in Cambodia, as well as with Indonesian authorities at home, to expedite the deportation process for the affected Indonesians.
“However, all Indonesians are encouraged to return to Indonesia independently,” he said, as quoted by Antara.
Ambassador Santo also urged Indonesians not to be easily tempted by job offers promising high salaries with minimal experience requirements, and to avoid involvement in illegal activities abroad, such as online scam syndicates. (aro)
