Indonesia Urges Stronger ASEAN Synergy to Combat Cybercrime and Online Fraud
Kuala Lumpur, The Gulf Observer: Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Sugiono underscored the urgent need for stronger cross-sectoral collaboration within ASEAN to address evolving regional security threats, particularly cross-border cybercrime and online fraud.
Speaking at the 30th ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC) Council Meeting on Saturday in Kuala Lumpur, the minister stressed that ASEAN must enhance its collective responses as the region becomes increasingly interconnected and dynamic.
“As our region becomes increasingly connected and dynamic, we must strengthen our ability to tackle multidimensional challenges, including cross-border crime,” Sugiono said.
According to a statement released by the Indonesian Foreign Ministry, Sugiono called on the APSC to intensify coordination with the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) and the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) to ensure coherent and comprehensive strategies across sectors. He also proposed conducting an interface meeting among these sectoral pillars to improve synergy and policy alignment.
To boost ASEAN’s readiness and cooperation in combating cyber threats, Indonesia announced two upcoming initiatives:
- Police Cooperation Dialogue Forum for Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters, scheduled for October 27–29, 2025, in Bali.
- Simulation-Based Discussion on ASEAN Preparedness in Protecting Citizens Abroad, set for December 4–5, 2025, also in Bali.
Sugiono emphasized that cybercrime and online fraud are not only national security issues but also major threats to economic stability and social resilience within the region.
He highlighted the successful implementation of the APSC Blueprint 2025, which has achieved a 99.6 percent completion rate, demonstrating ASEAN’s strong progress in promoting a peaceful, secure, and stable regional community.
Indonesia also welcomed the adoption of the ASEAN Declaration on Combating Cybercrime and Online Fraud in September, which Sugiono described as a robust reflection of ASEAN’s shared commitment to protecting the digital ecosystem.
He noted that this momentum is particularly timely ahead of the signing of the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime, known as the Hanoi Convention, scheduled to take place in Vietnam on October 25–26, 2025.
The APSC Council meeting took place on the sidelines of the 47th ASEAN Summit, held from October 26–28 in Kuala Lumpur under the theme “Forging a Resilient and Inclusive Future Together.”
