TRANSCRIPT - JOINT PRESS CONFERENCE - INDONESIA - MINISTERIAL COUNCIL MEETING ON LAW AND SECURITY - THURSDAY, 22 OCTOBER 2026

E&OE TRANSCRIPT

PRESS CONFERENCE

MINISTERIAL COUNCIL MEETING ON LAW AND SECURITY (MCM)

JAKARTA, INDONESIA

22 OCTOBER 2026

MENKO POLHUKAM – COORDINATING MINISTER FOR POLITICAL AND SECURITY AFFAIRS OF INDONESIA (ENGLISH TRANSLATION)

Good afternoon, members of the media.

Today, Indonesia and Australia hold the 12th Ministerial Council Meeting on Law and Security— a forum for cooperation between our two countries in the fields of law and security. The Indonesian delegation, which I personally lead, includes representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, BAKAMLA, the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, BNPT, the National Police, and BSSN.

This document also serves as a foundation for both countries.

Meanwhile, the Australian delegation is led directly by the Minister for Home Affairs of Australia, accompanied by the Deputy Ambassador of Australia in Jakarta, the Australian Federal Police, Maritime Border Command, Australian Border Force, and several other relevant agencies.

The meeting began with a one-on-one discussion between the Australian Minister of Home Affairs and myself.

It was then followed by discussions with both delegations to strengthen cooperation in law and security.

This includes strengthening the strategic partnership, enhancing maritime security, combating terrorism, transnational crime, reinforcing border security, and improving cybersecurity.

This document serves as a foundation for both countries to follow up on the meeting’s outcomes through more concrete cooperation, particularly in addressing various legal and security challenges of mutual interest.

For Indonesia, cooperation with Australia is crucial for strengthening coordination, enhancing capacity, and addressing increasingly complex security challenges. These challenges cannot be solved by one country alone but require close communication, coordination, and cooperation.

Tomorrow, we will continue with the agenda through the 7th Subregional Meeting on Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Security (SRM), which will be attended by eight countries.

This forum provides an opportunity to strengthen regional cooperation in addressing terrorism and transnational crime, while building a safer and more stable region.

Our hope is that this series of meetings will not stop at agreements on paper but will truly be followed up with concrete steps that deliver benefits for the security of our people and the interests of both countries and the region.

That concludes what I wish to convey. Thank you to the media colleagues present. Are there any questions?

REPORTER: During this meeting and cooperation, was there any discussion regarding the potential for the conflict in the South China Sea to escalate—an area where Indonesia also has interests, specifically concerning the Natuna region? If it was discussed, what form might that take? Thank you, Coordinating Minister.

MENKO POLHUKAM: Very well, thank you. This meeting aims to establish security cooperation between Indonesia and Australia. We are focusing on five key areas: maritime security, terrorism, transnational crime, irregular migration, and cybersecurity.

Furthermore, the cooperation encompasses coordinated patrols, information exchange, and the enhancement of security personnel capabilities. We are also strengthening efforts to combat human trafficking and online fraud.

Regarding your question about the South China Sea—in anticipation of rising tensions there and to ensure security in the North Natuna Sea—Indonesia remains committed to maintaining peace and stability in the region.

We also adhere to international law, specifically the 1982 UNCLOS. Our cooperation with Australia is intended to bolster maritime surveillance, patrols, and law enforcement—capabilities that are essential for safeguarding Indonesian waters, including the North Natuna Sea.

However, this cooperation is not directed against any specific country; Indonesia continues to pursue a "free and active (bebas aktif)" foreign policy. Indonesia’s sovereignty and sovereign rights remain our top priority.

REPORTER: [INAUDIBLE] I would like to ask about terrorism. If I am not mistaken, the BNPT (National Counter-Terrorism Agency) made a statement a few weeks ago regarding compensation for victims of terrorism. Is there a mechanism in place for this, and does it also cover foreign victims, such as those from Australia?

Secondly, regarding people smuggling—many individuals arrive from various parts of Indonesia and travel here by boat—is there a coordinated mechanism in place to address this?

And a question for both ministers: regarding cybersecurity concerns, specifically the online scams occurring in the region—are Indonesia and Australia working together on this? Given that the epicenter of these online scams is in Southeast Asia and they are spreading further south, is there any coordinated effort between Indonesia and Australia to tackle this?

TONY BURKE: Regarding the scam centres, the Australian Federal Police work in collaboration with the Indonesian National Police. We are currently deploying our full capabilities to locate these centres and take action against them. One of the most effective tools we have brought to the table is an organization called AUSTRAC, which enables us to track the flow of money and conduct financial investigations.

These scam centres victimise the people held within them, while also creating victims of the scams themselves all across the globe. The partnership between our two nations did not begin with this meeting; rather, this meeting served to reaffirm our commitment to continue and further deepen that cooperation.

Regardless of where these scam centres are located, they pose a global problem. As a friend of Indonesia, Australia stands in complete solidarity, ready to assist in dismantling these operations and putting an end to them.

MENKO POLHUKAM: The BNPT is currently in the process of documenting compensation for victims, and we will continue to communicate regarding this matter… [INAUDIBLE]. Thank you.

REPORTER:  In Indonesia, how do we see the handling of irregular migration and the cooperation we have with Australia to deter irregular migrants — both what already exists and what will be developed further? This is also related to the global situation where many people are traveling and migrating due to war and conflicts.

TONY BURKE: The immigration issue first of all. Every country has a right to run a visa system and irregular migration is an attack on that visa system and therefore an attack on itself. And the gangs that run these networks are connected to the same gangs that will traffic drugs, that will engage in human trafficking. Once an organisation, once an organised network is willing to ignore the law, they don't just ignore one law. And the cooperation with Indonesia in making sure that we are able to have a functioning visa system in Australia through the cooperation in dealing with irregular migration is something that is not simply a cooperation between two countries that have a deep friendship. It's also an exercise in solidarity for both countries.

MENKO POLHUKAM: We also discussed the issue of human trafficking, specifically concerning routes originating from TT (Timor-Leste) then toward Australia. Within the Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs, we are actively working to anticipate and prevent human trafficking, involving various agencies—including the police, the prosecutor's office, and immigration authorities. We are continuously coordinating with relevant stakeholders to put an end to human trafficking. Furthermore, we have consulted with the Australian side on measures to prevent human trafficking in this region. Thank you.