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

17 March 2011

Memorandum of Understanding to fight drug trafficking

Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor today announced the signing of a new agreement between Australian and Indonesian law enforcement agencies to tackle transnational drug trafficking.

The Memorandum of Understanding was signed in Jakarta today between the Australian Federal Police and the Indonesia National Narcotics Board.

“This agreement complements existing arrangements between our two nations designed to help us crack down on transnational drug trafficking in our region,” Mr O’Connor said.

“This Memorandum of Understanding reinforces anti-drug trafficking capabilities between our two countries and builds on the good work that is already being done to stop drug trafficking.”

The MOU was signed by AFP Commissioner Tony Negus and Head of the Indonesian National Narcotics Board, known as Badan Narkotika Nasional (BNN), Gories Mere.

The new agreement builds on an existing agreement between the two governments on Combating Transnational Crime and Developing Police Cooperation, signed in late 2008.

“As one of our nearest neighbours, it is important that Australia has a close and productive relationship with Indonesia when it comes to law enforcement,” Mr O’Connor said.

“The Gillard Government fully supports the partnership between Australian and Indonesian law enforcement agencies and looks forward to seeing the shared benefits of this continued
co-operation,” he said.

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