Indonesians Flock to Cambodia’s Online Gambling Industry
Sharp rise in workers highlights employment trends and legal concerns
The number of Indonesians seeking employment in Cambodia’s online gambling sector has surged, with self-reported registrations at the Indonesian embassy in Phnom Penh increasing by 638 percent since 2020. Data from Indonesia’s foreign ministry shows 17,212 citizens registered this year, up from 2,332 in 2020, though Cambodia’s immigration records indicate a much higher figure of 89,000 Indonesians holding residence permits.
Officials attribute the rise to the appeal of lucrative roles in online gambling and fraud operations, despite Indonesia’s legal ban on such activities. Many workers willingly join the sector, complicating efforts to classify them as trafficking victims. However, the Indonesian government is coordinating repatriation for citizens forced into these roles illegally, particularly in Cambodia and Myanmar.
Indonesia has declared online gambling a “serious threat,” forming a taskforce to address its social and economic impacts. With millions involved, including children, authorities remain concerned about its growing influence both domestically and abroad.
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Officials attribute the rise to the appeal of lucrative roles in online gambling and fraud operations, despite Indonesia’s legal ban on such activities. Many workers willingly join the sector, complicating efforts to classify them as trafficking victims. However, the Indonesian government is coordinating repatriation for citizens forced into these roles illegally, particularly in Cambodia and Myanmar.
Indonesia has declared online gambling a “serious threat,” forming a taskforce to address its social and economic impacts. With millions involved, including children, authorities remain concerned about its growing influence both domestically and abroad.
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