Media Release
Minister for Justice and Customs
1 July 2003

International Award Recognition of Outstanding Cooperation

The ongoing and outstanding cooperation between the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Indonesian National Police (INP) was recognised today with the conferring of Indonesia's highest police award to AFP Commissioner Mick Keelty, the Minister for Justice and Customs, Senator Chris Ellison said today.

In a ceremony in Jakarta, the Bintang Bhayangkara Utama Medal was conferred on Commissioner Keelty personally by Her Excellency, President of the Republic of Indonesia, Madame Megawati Soekarnoputri as part of INP's 57th Anniversary celebrations, at which Mr Keelty is the guest of honour.

"The award is in recognition of the Australian Federal Police's close cooperation with the Indonesian National Police, and I would like to congratulate Commissioner Keelty and the all AFP personnel for their outstanding efforts and professionalism now recognised by this award," Senator Ellison said.

"The Australian Federal Police has had a long and successful working relationship with the INP, including the current investigation into the devastating bombings in Bali last year, which claimed the lives of 202 people including 88 Australians.

"That investigation has been a groundbreaking one for police and regional cooperation. The investigation is continuing, with more than 30 arrests to date and the trials of key accused now underway in Bali."

The Bintang Bhayangkara Utama Medal, an award which is normally conferred upon Police Chiefs, was awarded in 2002 to Police Chiefs from Singapore, Malaysia and Japan. At today's ceremony the Bintang Bhayangkara Utama Medal was also conferred upon Indonesia's Minister for Internal Affairs, Mr Hari Sabarno.

Commissioner Keelty and senior AFP officials will take the opportunity to meet with their counterparts while in Jakarta for the award ceremony. They will also participate in other Police Anniversary celebrations including the Anniversary Day Parade.

Today's award comes just a week after His Excellency the Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia, H.E. Hamzah Haz presented the AFP with the prestigious Penghargan Utama award. The award was made in recognition of the AFP's international narcotic interdiction efforts.

Presented on behalf of the Indonesian Government and 'Badan Narkotika Nasional' (National Narcotics Department) during a ceremony at the Vice Presidential Palace on Thursday 27 June 2003, the award was received on behalf of the AFP by Federal Agent Mark Briskey.

Media inquiries: Mairi Barton Ph 02/6277 7260 or 0439 300 335

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