Thousands of Indonesians are involved in online gambling and scamming operations in Cambodia, with nearly 2,000 of them sent back home, according to the Indonesian Migrant Workers Protection Agency. Approximately 89,440 Indonesians are in Cambodia for work, with 1,914 repatriated due to their alleged involvement in such activities. The agency’s head Benny Rhamdani shared these figures with the media after being interviewed by the police, disclosing an alleged online gambling kingpin known as “T” to the authorities but not to reporters.
Mr. Benny has had discussions with President Joko Widodo and National Police Chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo regarding T’s activities. He revealed that many Indonesians were getting jobs abroad through T, leading to surprise and concern from both the president and police chief. Mr. Mahfud MD, the former Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs, was also mentioned in connection to the situation, but he has since stated that he no longer has the authority to respond to media inquiries about T.
The timeline of events and the specific details about T remain unclear, including whether he is an Indonesian citizen or based in Indonesia. Mr. Benny refused to provide additional information and advised reporters to ask the investigators for more details. He revealed that the briefing with President Joko Widodo and National Police Chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo was recently held, and both officials were shocked to learn about T’s alleged activities.
This issue highlights the widespread involvement of Indonesians in online gambling and scamming operations abroad, particularly in Cambodia. The repatriation of nearly 2,000 individuals due to their alleged involvement in such activities underscores the scale of the problem. T’s role in facilitating job placements for Indonesians abroad has raised concerns among top government officials, prompting discussions and briefings on the matter.
The impact of this situation on the Indonesian community in Cambodia and the broader implications for the country’s overseas workers are of significant concern. It is crucial for authorities to address these issues promptly and effectively to prevent further exploitation and illegal activities involving Indonesian workers. The collaboration between the Indonesian Migrant Workers Protection Agency, law enforcement agencies, and top government officials is essential in addressing the challenges posed by online gambling and scamming operations involving Indonesian nationals.
Moving forward, increased monitoring and enforcement efforts are needed to combat the proliferation of online gambling and scamming activities involving Indonesians abroad. The government must work to protect its citizens working overseas and prevent them from being lured into illegal operations by facilitating legitimate job opportunities and ensuring proper oversight of labor migration. By addressing the root causes of these issues and implementing targeted interventions, Indonesia can better protect its workers and prevent future incidents of exploitation and criminal behavior in foreign countries.
