The 17th AMMTC, which is being held in Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) from August 21 to 23, 2023 will discuss ten priority issues on transnational crimes.
Prabowo said that ASEAN countries are facing transnational crime as a common enemy, which is posing a threat regardless of national borders, state sovereignty, and applicable laws.
He said that the modus operandi of transnational crimes has changed, including those that take advantage of existing loopholes and technological developments.
To strengthen the commitment to eradicating transnational crimes, he highlighted the need for cooperation and collaboration to think and take action as a community while still upholding the laws and rules that apply in each country.
He further said that President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has emphasized that ASEAN should be a stable and peaceful region, and that it should serve as an "anchor" for global stability".
Jokowi has also stressed that ASEAN must be consistent in upholding international law, must not be a proxy to any party, and must become a region that is dignified and upholds democracy and human values.
Prabowo said he is optimistic that the AMMTC will become a means and mechanism to strengthen commitments between countries, which will produce concrete achievements and efforts that are beneficial to the interests of both within and outside the Southeast Asian region.
"Let me reiterate the importance of communication and cooperation in maintaining stability, security, and peace in the region," he added.
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Translator: Fransiska Mariana, Raka Adji
Editor: Anton Santoso
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