Cambodia, Indonesia strengthen joint efforts to fight transnational crime
PHNOM PENH: Cambodia and Indonesia have reaffirmed their shared commitment to intensify cooperation in combating transnational crime, following a series of high-level meetings between an Indonesian law enforcement delegation and key Cambodian institutions on May 20.
'The 40-member Indonesian delegation, currently in Cambodia as part of a senior training programme, aims to gain international insights into crime prevention, modern policing and safeguarding Indonesian nationals overseas,' said a statement from the Indonesian embassy in Cambodia.
The programme is part of a broader initiative to equip the future leadership of Indonesian law enforcement agencies with a global outlook.
'During their visit, the delegation held separate discussions with the Cambodian National Police (CNP), the National Committee for Counter Trafficking (NCCT) and the National Authority on Combating Drugs (NACD),' said the embassy.
The dialogues focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation to address a range of transnational crimes, including cyber scams, tech-related offenses, human trafficking, drug trafficking and money laundering.
Human trafficking was a focal point of the meeting with the NCCT.
Chu Bun Eng, secretary of state at the Ministry of Interior and permanent vice-chair of the NCCT, offered a candid overview of Cambodia's current challenges, particularly the exploitation of digital platforms for trafficking purposes.
'Cambodia recognises that human trafficking has occurred within its borders, but the Kingdom has never turned a blind eye,' she reiterated.
'We are committed to rescuing victims and enforcing the law whenever we receive credible information. Stronger cooperation with Indonesia is essential to curb illegal border crossings and cross-border crimes that endanger our citizens and others in the region,' she added.
Both sides acknowledged the rising complexity of transnational crime and emphasised the need for robust international cooperation, knowledge exchange and capacity-building initiatives to effectively combat these threats.
Bun Eng welcomed Indonesia's interest in learning from Cambodia's experience and reaffirmed her country's willingness to collaborate closely in efforts to suppress human trafficking and ensure regional security.
The NACD meeting further underscored the need for a united front in fighting drug-related crimes.
Delegates discussed integrated strategies such as coordinated law enforcement operations, public education campaigns, addiction rehabilitation programs and transnational cooperation on drug eradication.
Indonesian ambassador Santo Darmosumarto, representing the Indonesian delegation, highlighted the urgency of implementing the memorandum of understanding (MoU) on combating transnational crime signed by both countries in 2023.
'With more Indonesians living and working in Cambodia, the risk of them becoming involved in crime, or falling victim to human trafficking and drug abuse, has grown significantly,' he cautioned.
According to Cambodia's Ministry of Labour, more than 131,000 Indonesians were employed in the country as of 2024, with approximately one-third residing in Preah Sihanouk province — home to the Kingdom's largest Indonesian community.
The Indonesian delegation is scheduled to continue its visit with a trip to Sihanoukville tomorrow, where they will meet with local law enforcement and government officials to further explore cooperation on security and citizen protection. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
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