The Royal Government of Cambodia has taken significant steps to combat online scams, with a crackdown operation conducted in 15 provinces from July 14, 2025. The operation resulted in the apprehension of 2,780 people, including 339 Indonesian citizens.
Senior Minister Chhay Sinarith, Head of the Secretariat of the Committee to Combat Online Scams Cambodia (CCOS), met with Dr. Santo Darmosumarto, Indonesian Ambassador to the Kingdom of Cambodia, on July 21. The meeting discussed cooperation in combating online scam activities and developments following the crackdown operation.
According to Senior Minister Chhay Sinarith, the simultaneous crackdown operation is a direct implementation of Prime Minister Hun Manet’s order on February 14, 2025, and serves as evidence of the Royal Government of Cambodia’s commitment to combating online scams. The operation successfully apprehended foreign nationals from China, Vietnam, Bangladesh, South Korea, Pakistan, and others, with a total of 339 people identified as Indonesian citizens.
The Cambodian authorities will conduct investigations into the foreign nationals who were apprehended and delve into the cases in each different province. They will legally process the parties involved in various crimes related to online scams, including money laundering, job vacancy scams, and acts of violence.
Indonesian Embassy Supports Law Enforcement Efforts
The Indonesian Ambassador expressed support for the law enforcement efforts undertaken by the Cambodian government. Dr. Santo Darmosumarto emphasized that cybercrime is a transnational issue that requires close cooperation among countries involved. The Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh is ready to enhance coordination and communication with relevant agencies in Cambodia and Indonesia.
At the same time, the Indonesian Ambassador stressed the importance of ensuring that the basic rights of Indonesian citizens caught in the operation remain protected. “We fully support the law enforcement efforts of the Cambodian government,” said Dr. Darmosumarto. “At the same time, we are also interested in ensuring that the Indonesian citizens currently under the authority’s care are granted their rights, including consular access and clear legal information.”
Increased Focus on Protecting Indonesian Citizens
The Indonesian Embassy has observed a significant increase in cases of protecting Indonesian citizens in Cambodia over the past four years. In 2024, out of 3,310 problematic cases handled by the KBRI, approximately 75% were related to Indonesians involved in online scam. This number represents an increase of more than 250% compared to 2023.
During January-June 2025, the Indonesian Embassy has handled 2,585 cases of protection for Indonesian citizens, with 83% of these cases related to Indonesians involved in online scams. This number represents a 125% increase compared to the same period last year. Indonesians admitted to being tempted by job offers with high salaries and minimal requirements.
Conclusion
The cooperation between Indonesia and Cambodia to combat online scams is a positive development for both countries. The Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh continues to collaborate with various parties in Cambodia and at home to strengthen the diplomacy of protecting Indonesian citizens. As cybercrime becomes increasingly prevalent, it is essential that countries work together to address this issue.