ASEAN Should Prepare to Face Transnational Crimes, Jokowi Says

Labuan Bajo – The Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) stated that ASEAN must be prepared to face transnational crimes considering the advanced state of technology.

"We need to build sustainable collaboration in exchanging information, utilizing technology, as well as increasing the capacity and professionalism of the apparatus," President Jokowi said in his remarks at the 17th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Transborder Crime (AMMTC) in Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai District, East Nusa Tenggara, on Monday. 

In the midst of global dynamics, the ASEAN should always be ready to face challenges, including eradicating transnational crimes that pose a grave threat to the region's security and stability, President explained. 

The Head of State also highlighted that amid the current technological advancements, transnational crimes are growing at a massive scale and in more complex ways.

Therefore, to this end, President emphasized for the handling of these crimes to also be more adaptive, especially in relation to criminal acts of terrorism, criminal acts of human trafficking, and illicit narcotics trade.

"I hope that at this meeting, a responsive cooperation agenda can be formulated, which contains strategic steps, so that we can maintain a safe, peaceful, and prosperous ASEAN region," President remarked. 

Earlier, the Indonesian National Police (Polri) stated that Indonesia had prepared materials on domestic crimes to be discussed at the 17th AMMTC that will be held until Wednesday (Aug 23).

Polri encourages cooperation between the ASEAN member countries to catch perpetrators of domestic crimes that had fled from Indonesia to go abroad.