Indonesia and Thailand Agree to Enhance Defence and Security Cooperation
Jakarta (ANTARA) - President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto and Prime Minister of Thailand Anutin Charnvirakul have agreed to enhance security and defence cooperation by maximising the mechanisms already established by the two countries, namely the Indonesia-Thailand High Level Committee and the Indonesia-Thailand Security Dialogue.
For the two national leaders, cross-border crime is a problem that must be addressed together, as are challenges in the defence sector that could disrupt regional stability.
“We encourage the continued optimisation of existing mechanisms to strengthen cooperation on security and defence issues, including through the Indonesia-Thailand High Level Committee and the Indonesia-Thailand Security Dialogue,” said President Prabowo during a joint statement with PM Charnvirakul at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Monday.
Security and defence issues formed part of the discussions between the two governments at the bilateral meeting at the Merdeka Palace today. The meeting was part of a series of state visits by the Thai PM to Jakarta on 3–4 August 2026.
On the same occasion, President Prabowo specifically highlighted cross-border crimes such as online scams. Before the Thai PM, President Prabowo expressed his gratitude to the Government of Thailand for its assistance in repatriating nearly 1,000 Indonesian citizens who were victims of online fraud.
“This is very meaningful assistance. It proves the close relationship between Indonesia and Thailand. Once again, Your Excellency, on behalf of the Indonesian nation and people, I express my deepest thanks and appreciation,” President Prabowo told PM Charnvirakul.
Therefore, going forward, President Prabowo continued, Indonesia and Thailand agreed to strengthen cooperation, especially in the fields of information and intelligence exchange, as well as joint investigations. The two countries also agreed to work together to trace suspicious financial flows or transactions, strengthen coordination among law enforcement agencies, and jointly dismantle cross-border criminal networks.
“We also support the development of a trans-national referral mechanism (TRM) as a breakthrough to guarantee protection, accelerate identification, and ensure the safe and dignified repatriation of victims of cross-border crimes,” said President Prabowo.
On the same occasion, PM Charnvirakul highlighted three cross-border crimes: online scams, human trafficking, and drug trafficking.
“In this regard, we will cooperate more extensively, both in terms of law enforcement, intelligence information exchange, capacity building for officers, and building cooperation at the regional level,” said the Thai PM.
Regarding the repatriation of Indonesian citizens who were victims of online scamming, the Thai PM said there are still around 500 Indonesians awaiting repatriation.
“My government will accelerate their return to Indonesia,” PM Charnvirakul told President Prabowo.