Indonesia Sees No Signs of Human Trafficking Among Nationals in Cambodia

Indonesia Sees No Signs of Human Trafficking Among Nationals in Cambodia

Phnom Penh, Feb. 11, 2026 — Indonesia’s ambassador to Cambodia said there were no indications that thousands of Indonesians who sought help at the embassy in Phnom Penh following a crackdown on online scam operations were victims of human trafficking.

A video circulating on social media in late January showed large crowds of Indonesian nationals gathering outside the Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh. Some said they had worked for online scam companies and claimed to be trafficking victims, calling for repatriation.

Ambassador Santo Darmosumarto said the embassy received more than 2,000 reports over a 10-day period after Cambodian authorities intensified raids on scam compounds.

“After conducting assessments, there was no indication that they were victims of human trafficking,” he said, adding that only law enforcement authorities have the mandate to formally determine trafficking status.

He said many Indonesians had approached the embassy for a range of reasons, including passport renewals and other administrative services, and not all were filing complaints.

Cambodia has stepped up enforcement against online scam operations in recent months, part of broader regional efforts to combat cyber fraud networks operating across Southeast Asia.