Indonesia Honours Cambodia for Fighting Online Scams
Indonesia Honours Cambodia for Fighting Online Scams
PHNOM PENH — Indonesia has recognised Cambodian authorities for their role in combating online scams and helping Indonesian citizens return home, highlighting growing cooperation between the two countries against transnational cybercrime.
The Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh presented a “Friend of Indonesia” award to Chhay Sinarith, chair of the Secretariat of Cambodia’s Commission for Combating Online Scam (CCOS), for his support in efforts to combat online scams and protect Indonesian nationals in Cambodia.
Cambodian immigration authorities were also recognised for helping facilitate the repatriation of Indonesian citizens.
The awards were presented during a ceremony at the Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh on Aug. 17 marking the 81st anniversary of Indonesia’s independence, attended by about 250 Indonesian citizens living in Cambodia.
The embassy said the recognition reflected Indonesia’s appreciation for cooperation with Cambodian authorities and other partners on issues affecting the safety and welfare of its citizens.
The embassy also presented a certificate of appreciation to the AirAsia Ground Handling team at Techo International Airport for assisting Indonesian nationals returning home.
The recognition comes as Cambodia intensifies its crackdown on online scam operations, which have become a major transnational crime challenge across Southeast Asia, involving foreign nationals as suspects, workers and victims.
Indonesian chargé d’affaires ad interim Krishnajie Partadiredja said cooperation with Cambodia remained an important part of Indonesia’s diplomatic efforts in the Kingdom.
“Guided by this spirit of struggle, the Embassy of Indonesia in Phnom Penh continues to play an active role in advancing Indonesia’s national interests by strengthening cooperation with Cambodia,” he said.
The ceremony also highlighted broader Cambodia-Indonesia ties, including defence, trade, investment, tourism and people-to-people relations.
Partadiredja said defence cooperation was one of the backbones of bilateral relations, with Indonesia focusing this year on capacity-building and training for Cambodian military and police personnel.
Economic ties have also expanded, with annual bilateral trade exceeding $1 billion for three consecutive years, according to the embassy.
Indonesia is seeking to further promote trade through the “Sousdey Indonesia” event scheduled for September 19-20, while also pursuing stronger tourism connectivity, including potential direct routes linking Phnom Penh with Jakarta and Bali, and Siem Reap with Bali.
The embassy is also considering a familiarisation trip for Cambodian journalists to Indonesia in October to promote two-way tourism.
The latest recognition underscores the growing role of law-enforcement, immigration and consular cooperation in Cambodia-Indonesia relations as both countries seek to tackle cross-border crime and strengthen protection for their citizens.
