Archived Media Release
Minister for Home Affairs and Justice
The Hon Brendan O’Connor MP

16 March 2011

Australia strengthens law enforcement links with Indonesia

Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor says the construction of three high-speed patrol boats for the Indonesian National Police is well underway, as part of support from the Gillard Government to help tackle people smuggling in the region.

Minister O’Connor is today in Jakarta and will meet with Indonesian National Police Chief General Timur Pradopo to discuss ongoing co-operation between the two countries.

“The 16 metre patrol boats are worth almost $5 million and will help the Indonesian National Police respond to and deter people smuggling in the region,” Mr O’Connor said.

“The three vessels have been designed and built by an Australian company and have been constructed in stages in Perth, Vietnam and Singapore,” he said.

More than $2 million will be provided for operational support and ongoing maintenance of the vessels after they are put into action later this year.

“These high-speed patrol boats will be based at strategic locations across Indonesia as an active force in the ongoing fight against people smuggling,” Mr O’Connor said.

Today Mr O’Connor will also visit the construction site of the Indonesian National Police Cyber Crime Centre, which is based within the Indonesian National Police headquarters in Jakarta.

“The Gillard Government is investing $4.8 million in the fit out of the new centre, as well as law enforcement equipment and training for the Indonesian officers who will work at the centre.”

“When completed, the Cyber Crime Centre will help Indonesian police to target the financing of people smuggling and other transnational crime, by using computer forensic and high tech crime investigation techniques,” Mr O’Connor said.

“Residents of both our countries are increasingly using the cyber world in their daily lives – and unfortunately criminals are no exception, using new technology to commit crimes such as people smuggling,” he said.

“The challenge for law enforcement agencies across the world is to stay ahead of the curve. Criminals don’t respect national borders, so we must find ways to work more closely together.”

“As one of our closest neighbours, it’s important to have strong law enforcement ties with Indonesia – for the good of both our nations,” Mr O’Connor said.

“The Gillard Government is committed to continuing this cooperation to combat transnational crimes, including money laundering and people smuggling.”

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Jayne Stinson +61 458 547 512 [email protected]