JAKARTA, RAKYAT NEWS – The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemenlu) has addressed the growing concerns about the presence of Indonesian food stalls, such as pecel lele restaurants, in Cambodia, amid suspicions linking them to the online gambling industry.

The ministry explained that there are approximately 89,000 Indonesian citizens (WNI) living in Cambodia, a significant number that has contributed to the rise of Indonesian-themed restaurants in the country.

Kemenlu’s Director of Information and Media, Hartyo Harkomoyo, clarified that while many Indonesians reside in Cambodia, the ministry cannot confirm how many are working in the online gambling sector. He added that only around 17,000 Indonesians among the 89,000 have registered their presence with the Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh.

Despite the speculation surrounding online gambling operations, Kemenlu emphasized that Indonesian migrant workers are protected by Law No. 18/2017, which prohibits the placement of Indonesian workers in sectors that violate local laws. This legal framework aims to ensure the safety and rights of Indonesian citizens working abroad.

Meanwhile, Indonesia’s Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (Kominfo) has been actively working to block online gambling sites originating from Cambodia and the Philippines, with a focus on reducing illegal online gambling activities that affect Indonesian citizens. Kominfo has been coordinating with telecommunications providers to cut off internet access to these sites.

The controversy began when netizens shared images of Indonesian restaurants, such as Pecel Lele Srikandi and Arena Angkringan, in Bavet, Cambodia, sparking concerns about the potential links to online gambling. The widespread circulation of these photos and videos has led to further discussions about the involvement of Indonesians in the gambling industry in Cambodia.