October 20, 2025 | 06:12 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed a riot involving dozens of Indonesian nationals in Chrey Thum City, Kandal Province, Cambodia, on October 17, 2025. The incident reportedly involved workers who had fallen victim to an online scam scheme.
Director of the Ministry’s Citizen Protection Division, Judha Nugraha, said that based on coordination with Cambodian authorities, 97 Indonesian citizens fled from the company where they were employed.
Of that number, 86 people are currently being held at the Chrey Thum City Police Station, while 11 others are receiving medical treatment at a local hospital.
“Of the 97 Indonesians involved, 86 are now at the Chrey Thum police station and 11 are under medical care,” Judha said in Jakarta on Monday, October 20, 2025. He added that none of the hospitalized victims were in critical condition.
The Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh has been coordinating with local authorities to ensure the safety and welfare of the affected citizens. Embassy officials have conducted consular visits and provided logistical support, including food, sanitation supplies, and other basic necessities.
Four Indonesians Detained for Alleged Violence
Judha revealed that four of the 86 Indonesians being held by the police are under investigation for allegedly committing violent acts during the riot. The violence is believed to have been directed against fellow Indonesians.
“Four individuals are currently detained for their alleged involvement in violent acts against other Indonesian citizens,” Judha said.
He confirmed that the Indonesian Embassy has obtained consular access to meet with those detained. “Our team in Phnom Penh has already met with the Indonesians at the police station to monitor their condition and provide legal assistance,” he added.
The government is now working to facilitate legal aid and the repatriation of the affected citizens. “We are coordinating with Cambodian authorities to ensure they receive legal assistance and to arrange their return to Indonesia,” Judha said.
Second Riot in Cambodia
This is the second riot of its kind reported in Cambodia this month. A similar incident occurred earlier on October 4 in Preah Sihanouk Province, although no Indonesian citizens were involved in that case.
According to data from the Foreign Ministry, more than 10,000 Indonesian citizens have been caught up in online scam operations across ten countries since 2020, many of which are linked to human trafficking networks.
“Not all of them are victims of trafficking,” Judha clarified. “Some voluntarily went to Cambodia after being enticed by promises of high-paying jobs at online companies.”
Judha added that the Indonesian government will continue to work closely with law enforcement agencies to pursue the case and protect its citizens abroad.
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