Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara (ANTARA) – Indonesia, Australia, and Timor Leste agreed to strengthen cooperation and intelligence exchange as strategic measures to prevent transnational crimes from being committed in border areas.
According to East Nusa Tenggara Police’s Public Relations Unit Head, Senior Commissioner Henry Novika Chandra, the consensus was reached during a recent meeting between Indonesian Police, Australian Federal Police, and National Police of Timor Leste.
“The synergy between Indonesian, Australian, and Timor Leste police forces should be strengthened through intensive communication, prompt information exchange, and effective communication to ensure early detection and handling of transnational crime threats,” Chandra stated on Tuesday.
During the meeting, police forces from the three countries concurred to strengthen the joint response system in eradicating transnational crimes and maintaining stability in the Indonesia-Timor Leste border and routes to Australia.
Related news: Indonesia, Thailand step up joint fight against transnational crime
Delegates from the three countries also agreed that cross-border crimes requiring coordinated management in the region, including human trafficking, smuggling, livestock and vehicle theft, and illegal border crossings.
Indonesian Police’s International Relations Division official Senior Commissioner Juara Silalahi stated that a joint response is necessary to address transnational crime threats optimally.
The measures are necessary, as the Indonesia-Timor Leste border is strategically located near Australia, he said, while expressing hope for the establishment of an intelligence exchange medium between Indonesia, Australia, and Timor Leste.
“The trilateral meeting reflected our commitment not to work alone in facing threats that know no borders,” Silalahi said.
Related news: Indonesia operates Ro-Ro ships in border area, cuts logistics cost
Meanwhile, AFP Federal Agent Sarah Hammond said Indonesia, Timor Leste, and Australia shared security challenges due to their close proximity.
“Criminal syndicates often use maritime and land routes here as a transit route. This kind of threat cannot be managed by a single country alone, making information exchange and trilateral cooperation essential,” Hammond said.
AFP is committed to strengthening collaboration with their Indonesian and Timor Leste counterparts to prevent, in particular, human trafficking and drug and illegal chemical smuggling in the region, she added.
Moreover, Chief Superintendent Calisto Gonzaga of the PNTL Border Police Unit suggested that intelligence exchange against transnational crimes should be followed by joint patrol and operations and cooperation in personnel capacity improvement.
Related news: China invites Indonesian MSMEs to tap vast consumer market
Translator: Kornelis Kaha, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Fransiska Ninditya
Copyright © ANTARA 2026