PHNOM PENH: Indonesia has recognised Cambodian anti-online scam and immigration authorities for their role in protecting and helping repatriate Indonesian citizens, highlighting bilateral cooperation against transnational online fraud.
The Indonesian Embassy presented an award to Chhay Sinarith, chair of the Secretariat of Cambodia’s Commission for Combating Online Scam (CCOS), in recognition of his support for efforts to combat online scams and protect Indonesian nationals in Cambodia.
Representatives of Cambodia’s immigration authorities were also recognised for their contribution to facilitating the repatriation of Indonesian citizens, according to a statement issued by the embassy following an Independence Day ceremony on August 17.
The awards were presented as around 250 Indonesian citizens gathered at the Indonesian embassy in Phnom Penh for a ceremony marking the 81st Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia.
The embassy said the recognition reflected the importance Indonesia places on cooperation with Cambodian authorities and other stakeholders, particularly in areas directly affecting the welfare and protection of its citizens.
Krishnajie Partadiredja, embassy chargé d’affaires ad interim, poses with Indonesian children living in Cambodia following a traditional musical performance. Hong Raksmey
Cambodia has intensified its campaign against online scam operations, which have emerged as a major transnational crime challenge across Southeast Asia and frequently involve foreign nationals as suspects, workers or victims.
The embassy explained that Sinarith was presented with the “Friend of Indonesia” award for his support for efforts to tackle online scams and protect Indonesian citizens.
Cambodian immigration officials were separately honoured for helping Indonesian nationals return home.
The recognition underscores the growing importance of law enforcement and consular cooperation in Cambodia-Indonesia relations, alongside their longstanding diplomatic, economic, defence and people-to-people ties.
Support for Indonesian nationals has also extended beyond Cambodian government agencies.
The embassy also presented a certificate of appreciation to the AirAsia Ground Handling team at Techo International Airport for assisting with the return of Indonesian citizens to their home country.
The embassy said cooperation with government authorities, businesses, the media and the wider public was important to strengthening Indonesia’s diplomatic work in Cambodia.
Krishnajie Partadiredja, chargé d’affaires ad interim of the embassy, used the Independence Day commemoration to call on Indonesians living in Cambodia to strengthen unity and make positive contributions during their time in the Kingdom.
“The progress Indonesia enjoys today is the result of the struggles and sacrifices of our predecessors. It is our responsibility to carry forward their struggle in pursuit of an Indonesia that is sovereign, just and prosperous,” he said.
Partadiredja noted that Indonesia has repeatedly demonstrated its ability to overcome challenges.
Indonesian diplomats and citizens living in Cambodia attend celebrations marking Indonesia’s 81st Independence Anniversary at the Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh. Hong Raksmey
“Guided by this spirit of struggle, the Embassy of Indonesia in Phnom Penh continues to play an active role in advancing Indonesia’s national interests by strengthening cooperation with Cambodia,” he added.
Many participants wore traditional clothing and wastra, traditional Indonesian textiles which represent the country’s cultural diversity, he explained.
Partadiredja led the raising of Indonesia’s Red and White national flag, which was carried out by the Indonesian Flag-Raising Troop, known as Paskibra. This year’s flag-raising team was composed entirely of women.
The ceremony was followed by the traditional cutting of tumpeng, a cone-shaped rice dish which symbolises gratitude and was used on the occasion to mark more than eight decades of Indonesian independence.
Representatives of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces and Cambodian National Police also attended the ceremony, with the embassy describing them as important partners in strengthening relations between the two countries.
The event also highlighted economic diplomacy, with the embassy’s annual award for an Indonesian citizen presented to Dalton Wong, president of the Indonesia-Cambodia Chamber of Commerce.
Indonesian military attaché and Asean Observer Team (AOT) personnel pose for a commemorative photograph with Cambodian police officials during celebrations marking Indonesia’s 81st Independence Anniversary. Hong Raksmey
Wong was recognised for his contribution to strengthening economic and business ties between Cambodia and Indonesia and for supporting the embassy’s economic diplomacy.
Indonesia and Cambodia have maintained diplomatic relations for more than 67 years, with cooperation expanding across defence, trade, investment, tourism and security.
In a separate interview during the Independence Day event, Partadiredja noted that defence cooperation was “one of the backbones” of bilateral ties, with Indonesia this year prioritising capacity-building and training for Cambodian military and police personnel.
He said Indonesia had previously provided military equipment to Cambodia, but its current focus was on ensuring Cambodian personnel had the capacity to properly use the equipment supplied in previous years.
Economic ties are also expanding. Partadiredja said bilateral trade had maintained an upward trend for three consecutive years, with annual trade consistently exceeding $1 billion.
An Indonesian Asean Observer Team (AOT) member speaks with a Cambodian police official during the celebrations. Hong Raksmey
The embassy is seeking to further expand economic engagement through the “Sousdey Indonesia” event, scheduled for September 19-20, which is intended to introduce more Indonesian products to Cambodian consumers.
Tourism and connectivity are another focus, with Indonesia seeking more direct flights linking the two countries, including Phnom Penh-Jakarta, Phnom Penh-Bali and Siem Reap-Bali routes.
The embassy is also considering organising a familiarisation (FAM) trip in October for Cambodian journalists to visit destinations in Indonesia as part of efforts to promote two-way tourism.
The embassy said this year’s commemoration was not only an occasion to reflect on Indonesia’s journey since independence, but also an opportunity to strengthen unity among Indonesians in Cambodia, recognise Cambodian and Indonesian partners and deepen cooperation between the two countries.
Headline assessment: The revised headline is stronger for international audiences because it immediately identifies the two key developments — Cambodia’s anti-scam efforts and its assistance in repatriating Indonesian citizens. - Phnom Penh Post/ANN
