“We have conducted clandestine operations to nab those scammers,” National Police Chief General Suyudi Ario Seto told a youth conference on Tuesday, ANTARA News reported.
Indonesian officers have arrested dozens of suspects linked to online scam syndicates operating in the Philippines. These individuals are currently being transported back to Indonesia to face legal proceedings, according to General Seto.
The suspects allegedly targeted Indonesian citizens while operating from within Philippine territory. General Seto described the operation as exclusive and promised that further details regarding the arrests would be disclosed soon.
The crackdown arrives as the Indonesian police force undergoes a period of leadership transition and internal restructuring. General Seto assumed his role as police chief on October 1, 2026, and has since prioritized law enforcement reforms.
The National Police are shifting their tactical focus toward offenses that disproportionately impact the public and younger demographics. General Seto identified several key areas for immediate enforcement action:
- Online scams and gambling
- Drug offenses
- Human trafficking
- Smuggling
Police assessments suggest a heavy correlation between narcotics and other major criminal activities. “Most crimes in our society are triggered by drugs,” General Seto said.
He noted that the younger generation is particularly vulnerable, stating that children and young people have committed acts of violence, burglary, and participated in brawls due to drug use.
The intersection of digital fraud and physical crime remains a primary concern for regional stability. While the recent arrests in the Philippines address digital scamming, trafficking and narcotics continue to drive crime in Southeast Asia.
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