RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - A Cambodian government crackdown on online scam syndicates in mid-January led 911 Indonesian nationals to report to the Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh by Monday, January 19, 2026, after leaving the criminal networks.

The sharp increase followed a directive from Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet to intensify nationwide efforts to crack down on online scam networks. According to the embassy, the operation led to the arrest of several key perpetrators in multiple cities, prompting many syndicate networks to disband and allow their workers to leave.

Earlier reports noted that between January 16 and 18 alone, 308 Indonesian nationals came directly to the Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh after exiting the syndicates,

In a written statement received in Jakarta on Monday, Indonesian Ambassador to Cambodia Santo Darmosumarto said he had met with Cambodian Senior Minister and Head of the Secretariat of the Commission for Combating Online Scam (CCOS), Chhay Sinarith.

During the meeting, the Ambassador expressed appreciation for the Cambodian government’s commitment to dismantling online scam syndicates and requested support to simplify and accelerate the deportation process so affected Indonesians can return home promptly.

The embassy stated that, in general, the Indonesians are in safe and healthy condition. While a small number have expressed a desire to remain in Cambodia and seek other employment, the majority wish to return to Indonesia as soon as possible.

In January 2026 alone, the Embassy handled more than 1,047 cases involving Indonesians in distress. This figure marks a significant increase compared to 2025, when the embassy recorded a total of 5,088 cases throughout the year. Of those cases, 82 percent were related to Indonesians who admitted involvement in online scam syndicates.

The Embassy urged Indonesians who have exited online scam operations to immediately report to the embassy to receive assistance with repatriation. It also reiterated its warning to the Indonesian public to remain cautious and not be lured by overseas job offers that may lead to illegal or exploitative activities. ****