Jakarta. Indonesia’s Foreign Affairs Ministry said it will repatriate 97 Indonesians who were detained after escaping from an online scam center in Cambodia’s Kandal province last week.

The group was among those who fled a so-called “company” in Chrey Thum City on October 17, following a violent incident at the compound allegedly used for online fraud operations.

“We are coordinating with local authorities to provide legal assistance and facilitate their return to Indonesia,” said Judha Nugraha, Director for the Protection of Indonesian Citizens at the Foreign Affairs Ministry, during a press briefing in Jakarta on Monday.

Of the 97 Indonesians, 86 are currently held at the Chrey Thum police station, while 11 are being treated at a local hospital for minor injuries. The Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh has visited the hospitalized group and confirmed that none suffered life-threatening conditions.

Judha said that despite reports of gunfire during the chaos, there were no Indonesian fatalities. “The embassy also conducted a consular visit to meet the 86 citizens under police custody. Among them, four are suspected of involvement in acts of violence,” he said.

The embassy has also provided food and hygiene supplies, particularly for female citizens, as part of its humanitarian assistance.

Judha acknowledged that the spread of online scam syndicates involving Indonesians, both as victims and perpetrators, has reached alarming levels.  The ministry has recorded more than 10,000 cases since 2020, with networks expanding beyond Southeast Asia.

“Initially, these operations were based only in Cambodia, but they have now spread to seven countries in Southeast Asia and three others outside the region, South Africa, Belarus, and the United Arab Emirates,” he said.

Of the 10,000 total cases, around 1,500 Indonesians were confirmed as victims of human trafficking, while many others voluntarily joined the scams, lured by high-salary offers.

“Some had already been working abroad legally but moved to these scam operations for better pay,” Judha added. He also revealed that some repeat offenders returned to scam networks even after being repatriated.

“For example, a case in South Africa involved Indonesians we had previously assisted in Laos and Cambodia. After being sent home, they departed again through transit countries,” he said.

While acknowledging that some are trapped by debt or coercion, Judha emphasized that those who willingly participate in online fraud can face legal prosecution in Indonesia, especially if their victims are fellow Indonesians.

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