The ASEANAPOL Secretariat, represented by Executive Director Police Colonel David Martinez Vinluan, proudly participated in the 9ᵗʰ Forum of Entities Associated with ASEAN, held on 18 June 2025 at the ASEAN Headquarters in Jakarta, Indonesia. This annual gathering brought together ASEAN’s 81 accredited Entities and Centres of Excellence under the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability,” in alignment with Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship 2025. The Forum provided a meaningful opportunity for ASEANAPOL to engage with key stakeholders, exchange views on strategic developments, and reaffirm its commitment to regional cooperation, particularly in the fight against transnational crime.
In his plenary intervention, Executive Director Vinluan underscored the vital role of ASEANAPOL in upholding peace and security across Southeast Asia. He emphasized that ASEANAPOL and its Secretariat serve as a frontline mechanism in addressing serious cross-border threats, including human trafficking, illicit drug trade, cybercrime, and wildlife crime. In this context, he respectfully proposed that ASEANAPOL be formally included in relevant ASEAN mechanisms, particularly the ASEAN Ministerial and Senior Officials Meetings on Transnational Crime (AMMTC and SOMTC), where operational police perspectives can further strengthen regional strategies and implementation.
Moreover, Executive Director Vinluan encouraged a review of ASEANAPOL’s institutional status, suggesting that its current designation as one of the “Other Entities Associated with ASEAN” be elevated to reflect its significant contributions to the region’s safety and stability. He also reaffirmed ASEANAPOL’s continued alignment with the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, expressing readiness to collaborate on joint initiatives that promote inclusivity, resilience, and sustainability within the ASEAN framework.
ASEAN Community Vision 2045: Our Shared Future, please visit this link to download the document https://asean.org/book/asean-2045-our-shared-future/
The Forum, opened by ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, featured high-level insights from distinguished diplomats and former leaders who explored ASEAN’s long-term outlook and strategic priorities. The ASEANAPOL Secretariat also actively participated in the networking sessions and knowledge exchange activities, showcasing its programmes and seeking synergies with other ASEAN Entities and Centres of Excellence.
The ASEANAPOL Secretariat values its participation in this year’s Forum as an important step toward deepening its engagement with ASEAN institutions. It remains fully committed to supporting ASEAN’s broader vision by contributing its policing expertise, fostering stronger collaboration, and advancing a safer, more inclusive ASEAN Community.
