Secretary General Of ASEAN: Indonesia Plays An Important Role In Leading The Coordination Of TIP Issues

Secretary General of ASEAN Kao Kim Hour (right) together with Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Muhadjir Effendy (center), and Special Staff of the Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture for International Cooperation, Joko Kusnanto Anggoro

NUSA Dua - ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Houran assessed that Indonesia plays an important role in leading coordination with ASEAN countries regarding the issue of criminal acts of trafficking in persons (TPPO) in fraud using information and communication technology (online scams).

"I think this is a concern and ASEAN interest for Indonesia to lead this year to work closely with ASEAN member countries to fight all forms of trafficking in persons," he said after the session of the 29th ASEAN Social Cultural Pillar Council (The 29th ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community/ASCC) in Nusa Dua, Bali, reported by ANTARA, Monday, May 8.

According to him, to explore this crime is the duty of ASEAN member countries. Therefore, ASEAN was asked to work together and not move individually in dealing with the TIP case.

"So I think it's important for ASEAN to collectively ward off this issue rather than individuals, but work together to deal with this issue in the region," he said.

Kao Kim Houron also said that ASCC 2023 agreed on four commitment documents to be discussed at the ASEAN 2023 Summit, including the issue of migrant workers.

"I believe this document is very significant to protect migrant workers and migrant fishermen in our area in ASEAN," he said.

He also appreciated the success of the ASCC 2023 session led by Indonesia to coordinate a number of issues.

"If I may convey this morning the ministers successfully held a meeting to coordinate a number of important issues for the ASEAN community," he said.

The chairman of the 29th ASCC session, Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Muhadjir Effendy stated that the four commitment documents that will be discussed at the ASEAN Summit are related to one health, the ASEAN village network, the protection of migrant workers in crisis situations, and migrant workers, especially migrant fishermen.

In the 29th ASCC Session, the Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture added that the Ministers and Secretary-General of ASEAN reaffirmed their commitment to working together in realizing the priority of the Socio-Cultural Pillar under the leadership of ASEAN Indonesia.

"Let's strengthen our cooperation in encouraging the relevance of ASEAN as the epicenter of growth in the region and its surroundings," said Coordinating Minister Muhadjir.