Jakarta, 4 March 2024 – Crime at sea is evolving into a more sophisticated threat, posing risks to human lives, national security, and global stability. Indonesia, as an archipelagic country with extensive territorial waters reaped economic benefits from the increase of goods, services, and people movement due to the emergence of regional economic trading corridors. At the same time, the country is susceptible to transnational organized crime, including migrant smuggling and trafficking in persons.  

Recognizing the pressing need for enhanced maritime security, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Indonesia launches a new multi-pronged project “Transcending Borders: Strengthening Coordination, Detection, and Management of Migration-Related Transnational Organized Maritime Crime in Indonesia” - STREAM -, funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL). This initiative underlines a shared commitment to enhancing safety, security, and protection of migrants. 

The STREAM project marks a significant milestone to the ongoing collaboration between IOM and the Government of Indonesia in combating migration-related transnational organized crime in Indonesian waters. With a primary focus on strengthening inter-agency coordination mechanisms, improving detection capabilities, and enhancing migrant care management measures, the project aims to support efforts to address the complex challenges posed by illicit activities at sea, in close collaboration with the Government of Indonesia. 

By working closely with national and local stakeholders in Riau Islands, North Sulawesi and Maluku, IOM intends to develop tailored strategies to address these issues effectively. From research, capacity building, to the reactivation of the Maritime Security Consortium, these strategies will not only strengthen Indonesia's capacities but also foster regional cooperation in combating transnational organized crime in the maritime domain.  

IOM’s approach includes a strong element of community engagement to reach coastal communities with awareness raising and socialization on safe migration practices. This two-year (September 2023- September 2025) project will also ensure that women and youth participation is well-represented at the community level. 

During the kick-off project on 4 March 2024 at the Tribrata Convention Center, Jeffrey Labovitz, Chief of Mission of IOM Indonesia, remarked, “IOM has been privileged to work with various government agencies over many years in combatting trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants.  This project continues the ongoing collaborations. I am confident that this project will provide meaningful support to Indonesia’s commendable efforts to reduce migration related transnational organized crime”.  

The launch of the STREAM project signifies a concerted effort to address the complex intersection of migration and transnational organized crime in Indonesia. As stakeholders come together to tackle these challenges head-on, IOM remains committed to working towards sustainable solutions that benefit communities and promote safe, orderly, and regular migration. 

For more information about this programme, please contact: 

Government and Partners: 

Sébastien Reclaru, Programme Manager for Immigration and Border Governance at IOM Indonesia, Tel: +62 811 2201 901 Email: sreclaru@iom.int  

Media: 

Ayunda Pratama, National Media & Communications Officer at IOM Indonesia, Tel: +62 811 1219 913, Email: apratama@iom.int.