FBI, KPK strengthen cooperation

United States’ Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) director Robert S. Mueller visited the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) office in Jakarta on Wednesday to discuss cooperation between the two institutions for future strategic agreements.

He said that investigating powerful public figures, including state officials, for corruption was never easy.

“So partnerships are tremendously important,” he said.

KPK chairman Busyro Muqoddas said that he appreciated the visit, adding that he hoped it would strengthen cooperation and joint action in combating corruption.

Cooperation between the KPK and the FBI, which started in November 2008 with the signing of an MoU, includes exchange of information on the methodology of corruption, money laundering and other related crimes; training and courses in terms of intelligence and investigation.

Up to now, successful programs include bilateral meetings to share capacity building between the commission and the FBI, which were held at the FBI office in the US; training on money laundering and counterterrorism in Jakarta; workshop on modern investigation techniques; and training at the FBI Academy for employees of KPK.

FBI to visit local law enforcement institutions

FBI Director Robert Mueller
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United States' Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) director Robert S Mueller, along with his entourage, is scheduled to visit the National Police Headquarters, the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) office and the National Narcotics Agency (BNN) in Jakarta on Wednesday.

The bureau plans to provide the National Police with tools to assist in the handling of trans-national crimes, such as terrorism and human trafficking, National Police chief detective Comr. Gen. Ito Sumardi said.

"There's usually offers when [Mueller] comes. They do make offers. But whatever they give will be for the purpose of capacity building. They will also give assistance in the form of equipment," Ito said, as quoted by tribunnews.com.

Ito said the National Police cooperation with the FBI would not just be for terrorism issues.

Mueller is scheduled to engage in a conference call with National Police chief Gen. Timur Pradopo.

"[Mueller] is visiting several ASEAN countries. He only has around six hours [in Indonesia]. [He] stopped by because we are considered to have managed transnational crimes successfully. We have plenty of alumnus from the FBI.They're just here on a goodwill visit," Ito said.

-thejakartapost.com