Indonesia and Thailand Strengthen Cooperation Against Transnational Crime
Indonesia and Thailand have taken significant steps to bolster their cooperation in the fight against transnational crime. During a bilateral meeting held at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced a new agreement focused on intelligence sharing, joint investigations, and tracking financial flows linked to criminal networks. This initiative aims to dismantle operations involved in various forms of transnational crime, including online scams, while enhancing protections for victims.
President Prabowo emphasized the importance of expanding cooperation between the two nations, stating that both governments are committed to strengthening joint investigations and sharing critical information. He highlighted the need for improved coordination among law enforcement agencies to effectively combat cross-border crime. The leaders also discussed the establishment of a Transnational Referral Mechanism (TRM) to facilitate the protection, identification, and safe repatriation of victims of transnational crime.
Prabowo expressed gratitude towards the Thai government for its assistance in repatriating nearly 1,000 Indonesian nationals who had fallen victim to online scams. He noted that this successful repatriation reflects meaningful bilateral cooperation aimed at safeguarding citizens and combating transnational crime.
In addition to crime-fighting efforts, the meeting also addressed the need for stronger defense and security collaboration. Prabowo proposed more frequent joint military exercises between the Indonesian Military (TNI) and the Royal Thai Armed Forces, as well as expanded exchanges of military personnel for training and education.
The discussions also encompassed broader areas of cooperation, including trade, investment, food security, energy security, digital technology, and connectivity. Both leaders expressed confidence that the outcomes of this meeting would set a clear direction for future bilateral relations, particularly following the elevation of ties to a strategic partnership last year. They also launched the Indonesia-Thailand Strategic Partnership Roadmap for 2026-2030, which outlines collaborative efforts across security, economic development, and socio-cultural sectors.
