Australia gives $3m to RI to curb human trafficking

JAKARTA: The Australian government has given A$3.6 million (US$3 million) to the Indonesian National Police to help it curb human trafficking in the country, National Police chief detective Comr. Gen. Ito Sumardi said Monday.

Ito said on Monday that the funds were a result of "Australia's concern for Indonesia's limitations".

Indonesia does not have enough police officers to guard its massive territory and lacks modern detention facilities, Ito said.

"The Australian government had placed serious attention on human trafficking as many asylum seekers attempt to enter *Australia* via Indonesia."

Ito said the funds would pay for special training for police officers patrolling Indonesian waters and to renovate and build detention centers for illegal immigrants.

Indonesian police have arrested 1,247 suspected illegal immigrants this year, most of whom are Afghans. Last year, 800 illegal immigrants were arrested. - JP