VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Indonesia and New Zealand have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to prevent and eradicate transnational crimes as well as to bolster the capacity of police personnel in both nations.

The inking of the pact was done in the online and offline (hybrid) format at the National Police Headquarters, South Jakarta, on Monday.

"Today, we are meeting for this signing to prevent and eliminate transnational crimes and enhance (the police) capacity," National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo remarked in his welcome.

Prabowo explained that the bilateral cooperation was forged in response to fluctuating developments in the strategic environment that had shaken stability and security.

He pointed to the trend of some modes of crimes that kept surfacing and developing along with technological developments.

He deemed the cooperation between both nations as crucial since crimes had breached the borders between countries.

Prabowo believes this cooperation would focus on counterterrorism, illegal drugs trade, smuggling, economic crimes, money laundering, cybercrimes, and other transnational crimes.

Prabowo also believed that optimal actions to counter crimes can help to boost the economy.

"We are optimistic that the National Police and New Zealand Police would be able to work closer," he added.

Effective collaboration increases security and stability between both nations, thereby supporting economic growth and social welfare, he stated.

Cooperation between the police of both nations was forged since 2011. It includes eight bilateral working groups in the form of comparative studies, master's degree scholarship, and short courses. Moreover, there are 19 related activities on crime information exchange, five forms of law enforcement in the regional military operation, deportation, and investigation.

Meanwhile, New Zealand Police Commissioner Andrew Coster lauded the National Police for the endeavors to overcome these transnational crimes.

Coster expressed delight over the MoU being inked in order to set the focus on countering recent common crimes. (Antaranews)