Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta.  Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs, Hadi Tjahjanto, has called for stronger collaboration among Southeast Asian nations to tackle human trafficking, warning that the region risks becoming an "epicenter of scams".

Speaking at the 28th ASEAN Political Security Community Council meeting in Laos on Tuesday (8/10/2024), he emphasized the need for a collective approach to address human trafficking, as victims are often exploited for other crimes, including online fraud.

“ASEAN must follow up on and establish specific agreements on the ASEAN Leaders' Declarations on Combating Trafficking in Persons Caused by Abuse of Technology,” Minister Hadi, according to antaranews.com.

He warned that if not addressed, Southeast Asia could transform into a hub of criminal activities related to scams and trafficking.

Minister Hadi noted that ASEAN has already agreed on cooperation in legal enforcement through the ASEAN Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty and hoped that this agreement will serve as a foundation for regional collaboration in handling human trafficking cases.

(mg/inp/pr/nm)