Jakarta – Director General of Legal Administrative Affairs, Ministry of Law Republic of Indonesia, Mr. Widodo, reiterates Indonesia's commitment in combating transnational crimes through the ASEAN-Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) mechanism. His statement is conveyed online at the 4th Senior Official’s Meeting of the Central Authorities on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters (4th SOM-MLAT) held in Vientiane, Lao PDR, on Tuesday (7/10/25).
“The Indonesian government will strengthen legal cooperation among countries, especially ASEAN Member States, to ensure transnational crimes are addressed through MLA mechanisms,” Widodo stated.
He further explained that between 2024 and 2025, the Indonesian government has received six MLA requests from ASEAN Member States, including four from Singapore and two from Thailand. One of the requests from Thailand has been officially withdrawn, while the other is currently being processed.
“These requests are related to criminal fraud, violent crimes, and murder," explained Widodo.
In combating transnational crimes, the MLA mechanism is reciprocal. Indonesia not only receives MLA requests but also submits them to other countries as part of its efforts to combat such crimes.
In combating transnational crimes, the MLA mechanism is reciprocal. Indonesia not only receives MLA requests but also submits them to other countries as part of its efforts to combat such crimes. To date, Indonesia has submitted five MLA requests to ASEAN Member States, three to Singapore, one to Malaysia, and one to Viet Nam. Four of these requests have been fulfilled, while one was later withdrawn. The submitted requests covered financial crimes such as fraud, embezzlement, cybercrime, and money laundering.
“We appreciate the support of ASEAN Member States that have consistently endorsed the implementation of Indonesia's MLA requests during the 2024 - 2025 period. Despite various challenges, such as differences in legal procedures, incomplete information, and geographical conditions, through the cooperation of ASEAN Member States, we continue to seek alternative solutions to fulfill MLA requests," he mentioned.
In addition, Indonesia would encourage ASEAN to finalize the drafting of the model template on MLA request as a concrete step to simplify the process, clarify the procedures, and enhance the efficiency of regional cooperation, thereby expanding the network of international legal collaboration. This initiative represents Indonesia’s strategic efforts to establish cooperation with countries beyond the ASEAN region in addressing increasingly complex transnational crimes. The cooperation would emphasize the importance of addressing financial crimes as one of the region’s main threats, including corruption, fraud, drug trafficking and embezzlement.
“Cooperation and coordination among ASEAN countries is key to combatting these crimes, particularly in terms of locating witnesses, collecting cross-border evidence and freezing stolen assets," Widodo concluded. (AHU Public Relations)
