Senator Chris Evans
Leader of the Government in the Senate
Minister for Immigration and Citizenship
Media Release
7 November 2008
Australia thanks Indonesia after people smugglers stopped
Australia’s Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans, today thanked the Indonesian authorities following reports that 20 people were arrested by police in West Java in relation to an attempted people smuggling venture to Australia.
“I would like to congratulate the Indonesian authorities on this operation and acknowledge their ongoing effort to prevent people smuggling where criminals profit from others’ desperation,” Senator Evans said.
“People smugglers remain active in the region and Australia is committed to working closely with all regional partners to prevent and deter people smuggling and the irregular movement of people.”
Australian law enforcement and immigration agencies maintain close ties with their counterparts in the region to respond to people smuggling and trafficking activities.
An important component of Australia’s regional partnerships are arrangements whereby Australia provides funding to the International Organization for Migration to provide care and management of irregular migrants intercepted en route to Australia.
“The Australian government has renewed efforts to work closely with regional countries including Indonesia, to prevent and deter people from attempting dangerous sea journeys to Australia in the first place,” Senator Evans said.
“More broadly, Australia and Indonesia co-chair the Bali Process on People Smuggling, Trafficking in Persons and Related Transnational Crime which commenced in 2002 and brings together about 50 countries to work on practical measures to address these issues.
“The Australian Government also maintains extensive patrolling of our borders by Border Protection Command along with a system of excision and mandatory detention for all unauthorised boat arrivals.”
The Australian and Indonesian Governments recently announced the enhancement of a border movement alert system (CEKAL) in Indonesia to enable more reliable detection of people of concern and assist in preventing people smuggling and irregular migration.