RI, Australia To Combat Human Smuggling

Nusa Dua (Antara Bali) - Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard has stated that Australia and Indonesia continue to strengthen their cooperation in dealing with human smuggling.

After a bilateral meeting with Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, she said the two countries have decided to step up their efforts "to prevent and tackle the problem".

"We discussed some measures that need to be implemented in order to better deal with human smuggling. The measures involve prevention and handling of such issues, as well as tracking and arresting the masterminds of such crimes," Gillard said at a press conference here on Friday.

She expressed appreciation for the cooperation so far between the two countries in tackling human smuggling issues.

"President Yudhoyono told me today that Indonesia will continue to cooperate with us in dealing with human smuggling. It is very important for Indonesia and Australia to stop this by finding out the ringleaders of these crimes," Gillard said.

"As regards prevention, Australia will make efforts to raise awareness about the human smuggling problem so people can be more alert and not fall victims to this crime," she added.

Gillard noted that the Australian police had recently arrested some human smugglers and "handled the case properly". "President Yudhoyono and I also discuss the Bali Process. We communicate regularly about it," she explained.

The Australian prime minister and the Indonesian President are also scheduled to attend a trilateral meeting with Timor Leste Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao. (*/T007)