Indonesia and Thailand Strengthen Joint Fight Against Online Scams

President Prabowo Subianto has affirmed Indonesia and Thailand’s commitment to strengthening security cooperation, particularly in facing increasingly complex transnational crime amid rising global uncertainty. Speaking at a joint press conference with Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Monday, Prabowo said both countries agreed to enhance coordination in handling non-traditional security threats, including online scams. Prabowo expressed appreciation for the Thai government’s assistance in facilitating the repatriation of Indonesian citizens who fell victim to online scam networks in Thailand. He stated that the cooperation was evidence of the close relationship between the two nations. ‘I express my appreciation. On behalf of the Indonesian nation, I thank the Thai government for the close assistance and cooperation that has facilitated the repatriation of Indonesian citizens who are victims of online scams,’ Prabowo said. He noted that the number of Indonesian citizens successfully repatriated through this cooperation was substantial, approaching 1,000 people. Prabowo said this assistance held significant meaning for Indonesian communities who are victims of cross-border crime. According to Prabowo, the evolution of transnational crime is a security challenge that must be addressed through inter-state cooperation. Therefore, Indonesia and Thailand agreed to enhance the exchange of information and intelligence, as well as joint investigations to dismantle criminal networks. ‘Going forward, we agreed to strengthen cooperation in information and intelligence exchange, as well as joint investigations, further financial flow tracking, and law enforcement coordination to dismantle transnational crime networks,’ he said. In addition to handling online scams, both countries also support the development of a Transnational Referral Mechanism. This mechanism is considered an important step to accelerate the process of protection, identification, and safe and dignified repatriation of cross-border crime victims. Prabowo said strengthening security cooperation is part of Indonesia and Thailand’s efforts to maintain ASEAN’s resilience and relevance amid changes in the global situation. ‘With increasing global uncertainty and the growing complexity of non-traditional security challenges, Indonesia and Thailand must continue to play a leadership role in strengthening ASEAN’s resilience and relevance,’ Prabowo stated. In addition to new cooperation mechanisms, Indonesia and Thailand also agreed to optimise various existing bilateral forums, including the Indonesia-Thailand High Level Committee and the Indonesia-Thailand Security Dialogue, to strengthen coordination in the security and defence sectors.