Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. The Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh has recorded a massive surge in Indonesian citizens seeking assistance to return home after being trapped in online scam syndicates. 

As of Tuesday, a total of 8,002 Indonesians have requested repatriation facilitation, highlighting the growing scale of human trafficking and cybercrime in the region.

According to a press statement released Wednesday (6/5/2026), the embassy has facilitated the return of 3,348 citizens so far. The number of reports has spiked since mid-April 2026, with an average of over 100 people reporting daily. On Tuesday alone, the figure reached a record 180 reports in a single day, according to antaranews.com

The embassy attributed this increase to intensified law enforcement operations by the Cambodian government following the Khmer New Year. These raids have expanded into previously untouched areas, such as the border town of Poipet, a known hub for Indonesians concentration.

Most reporting citizens face significant hurdles, including missing passports, overstay issues and financial constraints. To address this, the Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh has negotiated with Cambodian authorities to waive overstay fines for 4,677 Indonesians to date. However, the surge has pushed the embassy's temporary shelters to maximum capacity, resulting in a waiting list for new arrivals.

The embassy urges Indonesians who have received document approval and fine waivers to immediately secure their flights to Indonesia to make room for others in need. Furthermore, authorities strongly advise repatriated citizens to remain in Indonesia and avoid returning to Cambodia for similar high-risk employment.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)