TIP -- COOPERATION WITH THE FRENCH AGAINST

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 JAKARTA 003146 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS DEPT FOR EAP, EAP/MTS, EAP/RSA, EUR/WE, G/TIP INL FOR BOULDIN DOJ FOR CTS THORNTON, AAG SWARTZ ICITAP FOR TREVILLIAN/BARR E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL PHUM KWMN ID FR XC SUBJECT: TIP -- COOPERATION WITH THE FRENCH AGAINST TRAFFICKING ¶1. (U) This message is Sensitive but Unclassified -- Please handle accordingly. ¶2. (SBU) SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Justice International Criminal Investigation Training Assistance Program (ICITAP) Indonesia collaborated recently with the French Embassy on a regional seminar entitled "Fighting Against Sexual Exploitation." The seminar--which was held in Bali--was a continuation of the ICITAP Indonesian-Malaysian Bilateral TIP Program meant to develop regional responses against trafficking. The seminar focused on identifying effective operational strategies to fight trafficking, underlining the importance of building region-wide coordination. END SUMMARY. REGION-WIDE COORDINATION ¶3. (SBU) From November 6-8, ICITAP Indonesia and the French Embassy sponsored a regional Trafficking in Persons seminar with the Indonesian National Police (INP). Participants also hailed from: -- the Royal Malaysian Police (RMP); -- the Indonesian Attorney General Office (AGO); -- the Malaysian Attorney General Office (AGO); -- NGOs; -- the Australian Federal Police (AFP); -- the Royal Thai Police (RTP); -- the Timor 'Leste Police (TLP); -- International Organization on Migration (IOM); and, -- UNICEF. Nearly 80 officials participated in total. ¶4. (SBU) The focus of the seminar involved identifying effective strategies that can be integrated throughout the region to develop cohesive responses and networks at the operational level to combat trafficking. The ICITAP/INP "Point of Origin" police and NGO integration strategy was identified as an effective approach already in use in Indonesia. Victim recovery and repatriation mechanisms, cultural considerations, impediments, and other mediating variables were a central theme throughout the discussions. ¶5. (SBU) IOM, UNICEF, and NGO perspectives and insights on victim recovery and court preparation practices were well received. The AFP perspective on standardized reporting mechanisms and TIP database development was particularly useful. TEAMWORK IS KEY ¶6. (SBU) During the seminar, Indonesian and Malaysian authorities agreed to develop cross-functional teams of law enforcement, AGO officials, and NGOs. The teams--after further consultation--would deploy to border crossing points along the Indonesian-Malaysian border with high volume trafficking. ICITAP Indonesia would facilitate the development and training of the teams once they have been identified by host governments. ¶7. (SBU) The AFP and ICITAP Indonesia will also work with the INP to develop a standardized TIP reporting format for information received from victims, NGOs and law enforcement agencies from both Indonesia and Malaysia. The reports will be collated into the INP Transnational Crime Center (TNCC) database at police headquarters in Jakarta. The INP agreed to share this information and actionable intelligence with the RMP on a regular basis once the teams have been formed. The Royal Thai Police delegation asked to be kept informed as to the progress of the teams and indicated their desire to participate regionally. NEXT STEPS ¶8. (SBU) This is the third session of the ICITAP INP/RMP TIP JAKARTA 00003146 002 OF 002 Bilateral Project since April 2007, and the second session that involved French Embassy collaboration. Despite the usual reticence and impediments of new operational initiatives, measurable progress was made. Success can be attributed to identifying key participants that have the influence to carry out conference objectives, integrate participants into functional working groups, and focus on realistic operational objectives. ICITAP Indonesia and the French Law Enforcement Liaison Officer will be conducting follow-up meetings in coordination with Embassy Kuala Lumpur and Indonesian stakeholders. HUME