More than 12,000 Indonesians seek government assistance to return home as Cambodia intensifies action against cyber fraud networks.
Indonesia’s Embassy in Phnom Penh has recorded a sharp rise in repatriation requests from Indonesian nationals in Cambodia, most of whom are believed to have worked for online scam operations targeted in the country’s ongoing crackdown.
The Foreign Ministry said 12,019 Indonesians sought government assistance to return home during January–June 2026, more than double the 5,088 cases recorded throughout 2025.
“A total of 12,019 Indonesian citizens have registered and applied for assistance with the repatriation process to Indonesia,” the ministry said on Saturday, July 4.
Thousands already repatriated
As of June 30, the Indonesian Embassy had facilitated the return of 5,487 Indonesians.
The embassy also issued 4,368 Emergency Travel Documents (SPLP) to citizens who no longer held valid passports, many of whom faced overstay penalties imposed by Cambodian immigration authorities.
To support the repatriation process, the Cambodian government waived overstay fines for 5,950 Indonesian nationals.
Hundreds remain in detention
During a meeting with the Indonesian Embassy on June 16, Cambodian immigration authorities urged Indonesians who had received overstay waivers to leave the country immediately, noting that many had yet to depart despite being granted the concession.
The embassy continues providing consular assistance to Indonesians detained during Cambodia’s nationwide crackdown on online scam syndicates.
According to embassy data, 676 Indonesians are being held at government detention facilities across Cambodia. Another 500 are staying at the Bati Pre-Deportation Center in Takeo Province, while 1,250 others are being held at detention facilities in Pochentong after being arrested in anti-scam operations.
The embassy is also operating a temporary shelter for financially vulnerable Indonesians, including women and children, with around 120 people currently awaiting repatriation.
