Police Chief Underlines Importance of Cooperation Among ASEAN Member Countries

Jakarta, (Antara) - National Police Chief Tito Karnavian underlined the importance of strengthening cooperation among ASEAN member countries to address security threats and crimes in the region.

"In the era of globalization, the handling of crime and security problems requires cooperation between countries in the region," Karnavian said in a press release here on Friday.

Karnavian delivered the statement on the sidelines of the commemoration of the 102 Royal Thai Police on October 13. The event was also attended by police delegates of ASEAN member countries.

The Asean Association of Chiefs of Police can be optimized to strengthen the exchange of information on potential threats, he said.

He also reminded the chiefs of police in Southeast Asia to attend the 85th General Assembly of International Police (Interpol), to be held in Bali on November 7-10, 2016.

"The meeting is a golden opportunity to build a joint force for tackling crime," said the former Jakarta Police Chief.

On the occasion, Karnavian met Philippine Police Chief Commissioner Roland Della Rosa to discuss the handling of security problems in border areas between Indonesia and the Philippines.

Karnavian will visit the Philippines to follow up on cooperation efforts in handling crime in both countries.

Karnavian had previously reviewed preparations for the 85th General Assembly of Interpol.

The Indonesian police will spare no effort to ensure the success of the General Assembly. It will take action to ensure the security of all delegates and international government officials attending the event.

"Indonesia is the second country, after China, with the largest police force, comprising 430,000 members," he noted.

Counter-terrorism measures will be one of the main topics of discussion at the meeting.

"There will be a special panel (on the issue of counter-terrorism), and I will be there as one of the speakers," stated Karnavian, who is also a former chief of the National Counter-Terrorism Agency.

Besides terrorism, the issue of international crime will also be addressed during the General Assembly. Further, international crimes will be discussed, such as illegal drugs, cybercrime, fraud, and illegal fishing.(*)