subject: National Police Agencies from Indonesia and Timor Leste Attend Historic Seminar [print this page] National Police Agencies from Indonesia and Timor Leste Attend Historic Seminar
Police officers from the national police agencies of both Indonesia and Timor Leste (PNTL) recently gathered for a three-day seminar hosted by the Hotel Padma in Bandung, Indonesia. The two agencies were represented by dozens of officers who were there to discuss current security conditions and concerns, as well as learn new methods and tactics of dealing with security threats. The Indonesian national police force (POLRI) worked closely with its Timor Leste counterparts (PNTL) for nearly 2 years in planning and executing the seminar.
Seminar coordinator Dirk Stoelhorst had nothing but praise for the officials of both agencies whose efforts were also recognized by the office of the President of the Republic of Indonesia. Mr. Stoelhorst specifically mentioned PNTL Commissioner Montiero, and Chief Superintendents Carlos Jeronimo and Jose Soares in remarks made during a press conference at the hotel. He also cited the friendship and generosity of POLRI as being very instrumental in the success of the event.
Among the topics dealt with were cross-border issues that affect the two neighbors. Human trafficking, drug trafficking, and other border threats pose serious security risks for both countries, leading to increased cooperation among the national police agencies. Counter-terrorism was another important topic which was discussed from the standpoint of cooperative measures that the two neighbors can employ to combat terrorist threats. The historic and strategic significance of the seminar was underscored by very tight security which was present not only at the hotel, but also throughout the city of Bandung.
The most remarkable aspect of the seminar lies in the fact that Indonesia and Timor Leste have not been on friendly terms until fairly recently. Indonesia invaded Timor Leste in 1975 and occupied the country for nearly two decades. After a bitter revolution and intervention by the U.N., Timor Leste gained its independence in 2002. Although some evidence of the devastating effects of the Indonesian occupation still remain, the two countries have managed to come together in a friendly and cooperative manner in order to protect the interests of both.
Dirk Stoelhorst is an Australian-based researcher, passionate about finding solutions to the challenge of sustainable development and human security in South-East Asia. Currently working for the Australian Government in the area of Indigenous welfare reform, Dirk can be contacted via email at dirk.stoelhorst@students.mq.edu.au
