Despite a thriving culinary presence, thousands of Indonesians in Cambodia face exploitation risks due to missing labor protections.
More than 100,000 Indonesians are currently working in Cambodia, many in the food and small business sectors. However, the lack of an official labor agreement between the two countries leaves them dangerously exposed to human trafficking and exploitation.
100,000 Indonesians Working in Cambodia
Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Cultural Affairs, Abdul Muhaimin Iskandar, revealed that over 100,000 Indonesians are now working in Cambodia. The figure includes both formal and informal sectors — from hospitality to small-scale food businesses.
Speaking in Jakarta on October 27, Muhaimin stated, “In Cambodia, there are around 100,000 Indonesians working in various sectors, including those supporting daily consumption needs.” Many have opened Indonesian culinary businesses, bringing local flavors like Soto Lamongan, Rujak Cingur, and Pecel Madiun to Cambodian streets.
While this growth reflects entrepreneurial resilience, it also exposes a worrying gap: these workers operate without formal labor protection.
No Bilateral Agreement Means No Legal Safety
Cambodia remains outside Indonesia’s official list of labor destination countries. Without a bilateral agreement, there are no legal safeguards for workers’ rights, salaries, or workplace safety.
This lack of structure has resulted in widespread illegal recruitment practices, where workers are lured by false promises of high-paying jobs. Once in Cambodia, some face unpaid wages, long working hours, or threats from employers.
Government officials warn that those who migrate through unofficial channels often struggle to receive legal help or consular support when issues arise.
Human Trafficking Concerns on the Rise
The Indonesian government is increasingly alarmed by reports of trafficking in persons (TIP) cases involving its citizens in Cambodia. Victims often include individuals recruited through social media or online job advertisements that turn out to be scams.
“Cambodia is not yet a safe country for Indonesian migrant workers,” Muhaimin emphasized, urging vigilance and verification before accepting overseas job offers.
The Ministry continues to coordinate with the Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh to locate, protect, and repatriate citizens who fall victim to exploitation.
Government Pushes for Safer Migration Awareness
To prevent further cases, the Indonesian government is intensifying public education campaigns on the dangers of illegal overseas employment. The campaigns stress the importance of using official migration channels managed by the Ministry of Manpower and the Indonesian Migrant Worker Protection Agency (BP2MI).
“People must not be easily tempted by offers to work abroad, especially in Cambodia,” Muhaimin stated. The campaigns are also being amplified online to reach younger jobseekers — a demographic most targeted by illegal recruiters.
A Lesson in Safe Mobility for the Region
The issue extends beyond Indonesia. Southeast Asia’s growing labor mobility highlights the urgent need for stronger regional cooperation on worker protection, especially in countries with overlapping migration routes like Singapore, Malaysia, and Cambodia.
For Indonesians in particular, the situation underscores the critical importance of formalizing overseas employment pathways to ensure safety, dignity, and fair treatment abroad.
The revelation that more than 100,000 Indonesians work in Cambodia without formal protection serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by migrant workers across Southeast Asia. While many bring cultural pride through their culinary ventures, the absence of legal safeguards leaves them vulnerable. Strengthened cooperation and public awareness remain vital to protecting workers’ rights — not just for Indonesians, but for the region’s entire labor community.
Sources: Radar Surabaya (2025) , Merdeka.com (2025)
Keywords: Migrant Workers, Cambodia, Indonesia, Human Trafficking, Labor Exploitation, Muhaimin Iskandar
