FED: Delegation to Indonesia to try and halt smugglers

AAP General News (Australia)
08-17-1999
FED: Delegation to Indonesia to try and halt smugglers

The federal government says Australia will enlist the help of Indonesian authorities to
crack down on Jakarta's growing people smuggling trade.

Immigration Minister PHILIP RUDDOCK says Indonesian authorities have intercepted some
boatpeople heading for Australia, but he says more needs to be done.

Mr RUDDOCK's told reporters in Canberra that the government will seek to engage with
Indonesia at all relevant levels with a view to ensuring there's an awareness of Australia's
concerns that people have been transiting Indonesia.

An official delegation, led by immigration department secretary WILLIAM FARMER, will visit
Jakarta next week to highlight Australia's concern.





Opposition Leader KIM BEAZLEY has meanwhile renewed his call for a US-style coastguard to
beef up coastal surveillance.

AAP RTV daw/mfh/msk/jn

KEYWORD: BOAT (CANBERRA)

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