On 24 January 2025, the ASEANAPOL Secretariat held a virtual preparatory meeting with the Indonesian National Police (INP) to discuss upcoming forensic science initiatives under the ASEANAPOL framework. The meeting focused on preparations for the ASEANAPOL Forensic Science Network (APFSN) meeting, which will be hosted by the Myanmar Police Force, and the enhancement of the Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) / Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) Working Group, which INP, as the APFSN Chair, proposed to host in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Representing the ASEANAPOL Secretariat were Executive Director Police Colonel David Martinez Vinluan, Senior Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Huu Ngoc, Senior Superintendent Huntal Tambunan, Superintendent Siva Pergashum Shanmugam, Deputy Superintendent Abdul Hamid Abdul Hashim, and Assistant Superintendent Nithia Perumal. The Indonesian National Police (INP) was represented by Police Senior Superintendent Dr. Lisda Cancer from the Medical and Health Center (Pusdokkes) and Senior Superintendent Dedi Nur.
The ASEANAPOL Forensic Science Network (APFSN) is a regional platform that promotes collaboration, standardization of forensic practices, and capacity-building among law enforcement agencies in ASEAN. It enhances the technical expertise and investigative capabilities of ASEAN forensic professionals, supporting criminal investigations and disaster response efforts. Given INP’s leadership as APFSN Chair, the Indonesian National Police proposed the creation of a DVI/CSI Working Group to further strengthen ASEANAPOL’s forensic science initiatives. This working group would allow Member Countries (AMCs) to exchange expertise, address challenges in disaster victim identification, and develop unified forensic protocols for crisis response.
During the meeting, Police Senior Superintendent Dr. Lisda Cancer outlined the key objectives of the DVI/CSI Working Group, emphasizing its role in establishing a regional framework for cooperation, knowledge sharing, and the standardization of forensic guidelines. The working group aims to: Strengthen forensic collaboration among ASEANAPOL Member Countries by providing a platform to exchange best practices, address operational challenges, and enhance disaster response capabilities; Develop and implement ASEANAPOL-adopted Guidelines and Terms of Reference (TOR) for DVI/CSI, ensuring consistency in forensic methodologies across the region; and Foster innovation in forensic sciences, encourage the use of modern forensic technologies, and improve crime scene investigation practices.
To facilitate the successful implementation of this initiative, INP proposed holding the DVI/CSI Working Group from 15–17 April 2025 may be conducted at the Jakarta Centre for Law Enforcement Cooperation (JCLEC) in Semarang, Indonesia. Each ASEANAPOL Member Country (AMC) is encouraged to nominate two representatives, consisting of one contact person and one focal point, while the ASEANAPOL Secretariat will also send two representatives.
In support of this effort, Executive Director Police Colonel David Martinez Vinluan suggested engaging ASEANAPOL Dialogue Partners and Observers to sponsor and support the conduct of the working group. This collaboration would enhance resource availability, facilitate knowledge exchange, and ensure the long-term sustainability of forensic science initiatives within ASEANAPOL, reinforcing regional cooperation in DVI and CSI.
The meeting concluded with both ASEANAPOL and INP reaffirming their commitment to advancing forensic science cooperation in ASEAN. Both parties agreed to continue discussions to finalize the structure, objectives, and operational scope of the working group while ensuring its alignment with ASEANAPOL’s broader forensic science priorities. Moving forward, this initiative is expected to enhance regional forensic capabilities, allowing AMCs to effectively respond to disaster-related incidents and transnational crime investigations.
The ASEANAPOL Secretariat extends its sincere appreciation to the Indonesian National Police (INP) for its proactive efforts and leadership in strengthening forensic science collaboration across ASEANAPOL Member Countries. Further updates on the progress of the DVI/CSI Working Group will be shared in due course.
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