In a significant step toward bolstering regional security, Cambodia and Indonesia have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation in the fight against transnational crime. A 40-member Indonesian law enforcement delegation, currently in Cambodia for a senior training program, held high-level discussions on May 20, 2025, with Cambodian authorities to address pressing issues such as human trafficking, cyber scams, and drug trafficking. The visit underscores the growing urgency for collaborative efforts as cross-border criminal activities become increasingly sophisticated across Southeast Asia.
Building a United Front Against Crime
The Indonesian delegation’s visit, part of a broader initiative to equip future law enforcement leaders with a global perspective, included meetings with key Cambodian institutions such as the Cambodian National Police (CNP), the National Committee for Counter Trafficking (NCCT), and the National Authority on Combating Drugs (NACD). According to a statement from the Indonesian embassy in Cambodia, the delegation aims to gain international insights into crime prevention, modern policing techniques, and the protection of Indonesian nationals abroad. 
The discussions centered on enhancing bilateral cooperation to tackle a range of transnational crimes, including tech-related offenses, money laundering, human trafficking, and drug smuggling. Both nations acknowledged the complexity of these challenges, emphasizing the need for robust international partnerships, knowledge exchange, and capacity-building initiatives to effectively combat these threats. The talks highlighted a shared understanding that no single country can address such issues in isolation, particularly as digital platforms and global connectivity facilitate criminal networks.
Human Trafficking: A Shared Concern
A key focus of the meetings, particularly with the NCCT, was the scourge of human trafficking. Chu Bun Eng, secretary of state at Cambodia’s Ministry of Interior and permanent vice-chair of the NCCT, provided a candid assessment of the challenges her country faces, noting the exploitation of digital platforms as a growing concern. “Cambodia recognises that human trafficking has occurred within its borders, but the Kingdom has never turned a blind eye” she stated. “We are committed to rescuing victims and enforcing the law whenever we receive credible information. Stronger cooperation with Indonesia is essential to curb illegal border crossings and cross-border crimes that endanger our citizens and others in the region” she added.
Indonesia, too, expressed a keen interest in learning from Cambodia’s experiences in tackling trafficking. With more than 131,000 Indonesians employed in Cambodia as of 2024—approximately one-third residing in Preah Sihanouk province, home to the largest Indonesian community in the Kingdom—the risks of exploitation and criminal involvement have grown. Indonesian ambassador Santo Darmosumarto, representing the delegation, stressed the urgency of implementing a 2023 memorandum of understanding (MoU) on combating transnational crime between the two nations. “With more Indonesians living and working in Cambodia, the risk of them becoming involved in crime, or falling victim to human trafficking and drug abuse, has grown significantly” he cautioned.
Drug Trafficking and Regional Security
The dialogue with the NACD further underscored the importance of a united front against drug-related crimes, which continue to plague the region. Delegates explored integrated strategies, including coordinated law enforcement operations, public education campaigns, addiction rehabilitation programs, and transnational efforts to eradicate drug networks. The discussions reflected a mutual recognition that drug trafficking not only fuels other crimes, such as money laundering and human trafficking, but also poses a direct threat to public health and social stability in both countries.
Cambodia, which has faced criticism in the past for its handling of drug-related issues, highlighted recent efforts to strengthen enforcement and rehabilitation programs. Indonesian officials, meanwhile, shared insights from their own domestic campaigns against narcotics, which have included high-profile crackdowns and international collaborations. While specific agreements or timelines were not disclosed, both sides expressed optimism about future joint operations to disrupt drug supply chains across borders.
A Growing Indonesian Presence in Cambodia
The significant Indonesian diaspora in Cambodia, particularly in Sihanoukville, adds another layer of urgency to these collaborative efforts. Preah Sihanouk province, a coastal area known for its rapid development and tourism boom, has become a hub for foreign workers and businesses, including many Indonesians. However, this growth has also attracted criminal elements, with reports of scams, trafficking, and other illicit activities targeting vulnerable populations. The Indonesian delegation’s scheduled visit to Sihanoukville on May 24, 2025, to meet with local law enforcement and government officials, signals a targeted focus on addressing security concerns in this key area.
Data from Cambodia’s Ministry of Labour indicates that the number of Indonesian workers in the country has risen steadily over the past decade, driven by opportunities in construction, hospitality, and other sectors. While this migration has fostered cultural and economic ties, it has also exposed workers to risks, including exploitation by unscrupulous employers or criminal networks. Ambassador Darmosumarto’s comments reflect a broader concern among Indonesian officials about ensuring the safety of their citizens abroad, particularly in regions where law enforcement capacity may be stretched thin.
Broader Implications for ASEAN
The Cambodia-Indonesia partnership comes at a time when Southeast Asia faces mounting challenges from transnational crime, often exacerbated by porous borders, economic disparities, and the rapid adoption of digital technologies. Cyber scams, for instance, have surged in recent years, with criminal syndicates operating out of border regions and exploiting lax regulations to target victims worldwide. Human trafficking, too, remains a persistent issue, with the International Organization for Migration estimating that thousands of individuals are trafficked annually within the ASEAN region alone.
Both Cambodia and Indonesia are active members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which has prioritized regional security and anti-crime initiatives in its strategic frameworks. The outcomes of this delegation’s visit could serve as a model for other ASEAN member states seeking to strengthen bilateral and multilateral cooperation. Analysts suggest that joint training programs, intelligence sharing, and harmonized legal frameworks will be critical to addressing the root causes of transnational crime, rather than merely responding to its symptoms.
However, challenges remain. Differences in legal systems, resource constraints, and varying levels of political will among ASEAN nations can hinder effective collaboration. Cambodia, for instance, has made strides in combating trafficking and drug crimes but continues to grapple with corruption and institutional capacity issues. Indonesia, while a regional leader in law enforcement, faces its own domestic struggles with organized crime and governance. If the commitments made during this visit are to translate into tangible results, sustained investment in training, technology, and cross-border coordination will be essential.
Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
As the Indonesian delegation wraps up its visit, the path forward for Cambodia-Indonesia cooperation appears promising yet complex. The emphasis on capacity building and knowledge exchange offers a foundation for long-term collaboration, particularly in areas like human trafficking and drug enforcement, where both countries have much to gain from shared expertise. The focus on protecting vulnerable populations, such as migrant workers in Sihanoukville, also reflects a human-centered approach to security that could resonate across the region.
Yet, questions linger about the implementation of agreements like the 2023 MoU. Without clear timelines, funding commitments, or accountability mechanisms, such initiatives risk becoming symbolic rather than transformative. Public reactions, as gauged from social media platforms like X, suggest a mix of optimism and skepticism among citizens of both nations, with many calling for transparency in how these partnerships unfold. As Cambodia and Indonesia navigate these challenges, their ability to turn high-level dialogue into on-the-ground impact will be closely watched by regional stakeholders and beyond.
