Indonesia & New Zealand Pledge Enhanced Collaboration to Combat Drug Trafficking
Jakarta, Indonesia – Indonesia and New Zealand have reaffirmed their commitment to bolstering cooperation in drug enforcement, officials announced Tuesday. The pledge follows a meeting in Jakarta on Monday between National Narcotics agency (BNN) Head Suyudi Ario Seto and New Zealand Ambassador to Indonesia Phillip Taula.
According to a BNN statement, both nations have a history of collaborative efforts, including BNN officer training at the New Zealand Police Dog Training School in 2017.”I hope cooperation between BNN and the New zealand government will continue to improve, especially in drug enforcement through training and information exchange,” Seto stated. He further emphasized the BNN’s need for increased capacity-building initiatives, specifically in areas like investigations, cryptocurrency, and navigating the dark web.
Seto expressed optimism that the recent discussions will translate into tangible programs and further solidify the bilateral relationship between Indonesia and New Zealand.Ambassador Taula, accompanied by New Zealand Police Liaison Officer to Indonesia Paul Borrell, extended congratulations to Seto on his August inauguration as BNN head and reiterated New Zealand’s dedication to expanding cooperation, with a particular focus on drug enforcement.
The proclamation comes amid ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking in the region, as highlighted by recent related news: two British nationals were arrested in Bali in connection with alleged cocaine smuggling, and Indonesia’s BNN is collaborating with Myanmar to disrupt the flow of drugs from the Golden Triangle.
(Translator: Agatha Olivia, Raka Adji; Editor: Anton Santoso; Copyright © ANTARA 2025)
