ASEAN Immigration Chiefs Discuss Cross-Border Scam Crimes

ASEAN Immigration Chiefs Discuss Cross-Border Scam Crimes

Tempatdonasi.com – Hendarsam Marantoko, the head of Indonesia’s Immigration Directorate, participated in the DGICM forum held in Siem Reap, Cambodia, from June 22 to 26, 2026. This annual gathering, which began in 1996, has consistently united immigration leaders and consular officials from across the ASEAN bloc. The event serves as a platform for addressing shared challenges and strengthening regional collaboration in border and migration management.

Focus on Regional Security Challenges

During the meeting, Marantoko emphasized the urgency of tackling pressing issues like human trafficking, digital fraud networks, and the reinforcement of border control measures. “Our discussions will cover critical matters, such as financial crimes like money laundering (TPPU) and the illegal movement of people (TPPM),” he explained at his office in South Jakarta on Monday, June 22, 2026. The forum also aimed to enhance the exchange of information and technological tools to combat transnational crimes more effectively.

“We will address significant issues, including financial crimes like money laundering (TPPU) and the illegal transportation of migrants (TPPM),” said Marantoko at his office in South Jakarta on Monday, June 22, 2026.

This year’s assembly marked the 29th iteration of the DGICM convention, following last year’s session hosted in Brunei Darussalam. The discussions extended beyond immigration-specific concerns to include broader strategies for managing cross-border activities, such as coordinating consular efforts and improving surveillance systems to track the flow of people and goods between nations. Representatives from all ten ASEAN countries attended, underscoring the bloc’s commitment to unified action.

Rising Trends in Transnational Crime

Recent data from the National Police’s Criminal Information Center (Pusiknas) indicates a notable increase in transnational crime cases over the past three years. In 2023, authorities documented 55,669 instances of such crimes, which grew to 61,907 in 2024 before reaching 64,263 in 2025. These offenses now rank as the second most frequent type of crime in the region, after conventional crimes that involve physical interactions within national borders.

Experts note that the rise in transnational crime reflects the growing complexity of modern criminal networks. With digital platforms enabling scams and the globalization of illicit markets, law enforcement agencies face heightened challenges in identifying and apprehending offenders. Marantoko highlighted the need for advanced technologies and real-time data sharing to stay ahead of these trends. “Our goal is to create a robust framework for detecting and preventing crimes that transcend national boundaries,” he added.

Diverse Threats Across Borders

The cross-border threats addressed during the forum span multiple sectors, including human trafficking, migrant smuggling, and corruption. Additionally, environmental crimes such as illegal logging and wildlife poaching were discussed, alongside the black market trade of cultural heritage artifacts. The illegal fishing industry and the smuggling of narcotics or precursor chemicals also emerged as critical areas of concern.

Marantoko noted that these issues often intersect, making it essential for ASEAN nations to adopt a coordinated approach. For example, human trafficking networks frequently exploit gaps in border control to move victims across countries, while corruption can facilitate money laundering and smuggling operations. “We must work together to close these loopholes and ensure that criminals cannot exploit our region’s interconnected systems,” he stated.

One of the key outcomes of the meeting was the agreement to establish a more streamlined process for exchanging intelligence between member states. This includes leveraging digital tools to track online scams, which have become increasingly prevalent with the rise of e-commerce and virtual communication. The forum also prioritized the development of joint strategies to combat the illegal trade of cultural heritage items, which has seen a surge in recent years due to increased demand on international markets.

The discussions underscored the importance of strengthening legal frameworks to address emerging risks. While traditional crimes like theft and assault remain common, the growing threat of transnational activities requires specialized tactics. Marantoko called for greater investment in training and resources for border officials to handle these complex cases. “Our teams need to be equipped with the latest tools and knowledge to respond to evolving criminal behavior,” he explained.

Regional cooperation is seen as vital to mitigating these threats. By pooling expertise and resources, ASEAN nations hope to create a more resilient network capable of tracking criminal activities from their origins to their destinations. The forum also highlighted the role of public-private partnerships in combating scams, as businesses and financial institutions are often the first to detect fraudulent transactions.

Looking Ahead: Strategic Collaboration

As the DGICM convention concludes, participants have outlined plans for follow-up actions. These include drafting a new agreement on information sharing, launching a regional task force for cybercrime investigations, and integrating new technologies into border monitoring systems. Marantoko expressed optimism about the progress made during the meeting, stating, “This collaboration is a crucial step toward safeguarding our region’s security and economic stability.”

Officials also stressed the need for continuous evaluation of policies to adapt to changing criminal landscapes. With the rapid expansion of digital platforms, the scope of transnational crimes is expected to broaden further, requiring agile responses from law enforcement. The next convention, set for 2027, will focus on implementing these strategies and assessing their effectiveness in the coming year.

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