U.S. offers $10m more to police

JAKARTA: The United States has offered US$10 million in additional assistance to help Indonesian police fight trans- national crimes and increase their modernization and professionalism.

The offer was delivered by U.S. Ambassador to Indonesia Lynn Pascoe at a meeting here on Thursday with National Police chief Gen. Sutanto.

The meeting was aimed at initiating an amendment to the existing letter of agreement concerning support for Indonesia's efforts in combating trans-national crimes and to improve police professionalism.

"Under this amendment, the United States will offer assistance, valued at an additional US$10 million to the Indonesian National Police," said a press release from the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta.

Over the last five years, the U.S. has offered ever-increasing assistance to the Indonesian police to help enhance their institutional capabilities. --JP