Indonesian Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Muhammad Anis Matta wrapped up a one-day working visit to Cambodia on December 1 with a clear message: Jakarta is ready to expand economic and cultural cooperation with Phnom Penh while strengthening joint efforts to combat transnational crimes, particularly online scams.
During talks with Ung Rachana, secretary of state at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Indonesian official stressed the need to elevate cooperation in trade, tourism and investment, noting that rising flight connections from Middle Eastern carriers to Cambodia signal the country’s growing relevance to Muslim-majority nations.
“In charge of overseeing Indonesia’s engagement with Muslim communities around the world, Vice Minister Anis Matta took the opportunity to deepen his understanding of Cambodia, including the potential for Muslim-world engagement in the country’s national development and foreign policy,” explained a statement from the Indonesian embassy in Phnom Penh.
Both sides also discussed the development of the halal industry and support for small and medium-sized enterprises.
These sectors hold significant potential given Indonesia’s global experience in halal certification and Cambodia’s ambitions to expand exports to Muslim markets.
“The two officials also discussed the issue of Indonesian citizens involved in online scam syndicates in Cambodia,” said the embassy.
“They agreed that stronger joint efforts are needed to fight transnational crimes, including online scams,” it added.
In a separate meeting with Senior Minister in Charge of Special Mission Othsman Hassan, the vice minister commended the Cambodian government for its continued support to the country’s Muslim community.
The discussion further emphasised expanding people-to-people ties, particularly through higher-education cooperation.
Anis Matta encouraged more Cambodian students to pursue studies in Indonesia, under the existing scholarship schemes offered by the Indonesian Government and Indonesian universities.
He also raised the idea of establishing an Indonesian centre in Cambodia as a platform to promote cultural, educational and community exchanges.
The proposal reflects Indonesia’s broader approach to strengthening engagement with Muslim communities around the world.
