More than 180 Indonesian citizens (WNI) have escaped from online fraud centres in Cambodia and Myanmar in two separate incidents.
The Indonesian Ministry for the Protection of Migrant Workers (P2MI) reported that 110 Indonesians fled a scam operation in Cambodia on 21 October, while another 75 managed to escape a similar network in Myanmar on 22 October.
According to P2MI Minister Mukhtarudin, 97 of the 110 Indonesians in Cambodia escaped during an attempted breakout from an online fraud compound. Thirteen others were expelled from their workplaces in Chrey Thum, Kandal Province.
“The alleged violence is being handled by Cambodian police. We can confirm that all Indonesian citizens are safe,” Mukhtarudin said in an official statement.
The Ministry added that 99 people are currently being detained at the local police station in Cambodia, while 11 others are under hospital care. Four of those hospitalised were reportedly group leaders within the fraudulent operation.
The Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh, together with P2MI, continues to coordinate closely with Cambodian authorities to ensure the citizens’ safety, provide legal aid, and facilitate a humane repatriation process.
Government Monitors Ongoing Repatriation Efforts
The Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh confirmed that 110 Indonesian citizens had been detained following the escape attempt, an increase from the initial 97 reported. In a post on Instagram dated 22 October, the Embassy stated:
“Since 17 October 2025, the Embassy has coordinated with Cambodian Police and relevant authorities after receiving reports of a riot involving Indonesian citizens in Chrey Thum City, Kandal Province.”
The Embassy added that 67 individuals are expected to be repatriated soon, while others remain under investigation. Officials conducted consular access to meet with the detainees at the local police station.
Meanwhile, Judha Nugraha, Director of Indonesian Citizen Protection at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemlu), said that some of the escapees were involved in a riot during the breakout attempt.
“Of the 86, four are currently being detained because, based on the investigation, they were perpetrators of violence. The violence is suspected to have been committed against other Indonesian citizens,” Nugraha told Detiknews on 20 October.
He explained that the riot occurred on 17 October and that the Embassy had since visited the detained citizens.
“We are conducting consular access, so our colleagues at the Indonesian Embassy have been able to meet with the Indonesian citizens at the police station,” he said.
The Indonesian government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safety of its citizens abroad, particularly those who fall victim to cross-border human trafficking and online fraud syndicates operating in Southeast Asia.
