Jakarta, INTI - Indonesia's Minister of Foreign Affairs Sugiono has called on the United Kingdom to strengthen cooperation with ASEAN member states to combat the growing threat of online scams during the ASEAN–UK Foreign Ministers' Meeting held in Manila, the Philippines, on July 22, 2026.
Sugiono highlighted the scale of the issue, noting that nearly two out of every three adults in Southeast Asia have been targeted by online fraud. He added that financial losses from these scams are estimated to reach US$23.6 billion (approximately Rp423 trillion) annually across the region.
"These scams may originate in Southeast Asia, but the money moves across borders through the global financial system and international financial centers. What can be transferred can also be traced," Sugiono said.
Indonesia Proposes Stronger Financial Intelligence Cooperation
Indonesia proposed expanding ASEAN–UK collaboration in financial intelligence and law enforcement to improve the prevention, detection, and investigation of online fraud.
The initiative aims to strengthen efforts to trace illicit financial flows, disrupt cross-border criminal networks, and enhance protection for victims of online scams.
"This is the standard Indonesia is proposing, cooperation that delivers tangible benefits directly to our people," Sugiono stated.
Advancing the Energy Transition and Human Capital Development
In addition to cybersecurity cooperation, Indonesia encouraged the UK to deepen collaboration in energy transition initiatives.
The country supports expanding equitable access to clean energy, particularly for remote and underserved communities, through the ASEAN–UK Green Transition Fund.
"When the energy transition reaches everyone, it delivers more than clean energy, it creates shared prosperity," Sugiono emphasized.
Indonesia also expressed support for strengthening cooperation in human capital development through the ASEAN–UK Chevening Scholarships program.
The United Kingdom has been an ASEAN Dialogue Partner since 2021.
The meeting in Manila was attended by the UK's newly appointed Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband, who took office on July 20, 2026, following the formation of the new British government led by Prime Minister Andy Burnham. Prior to his appointment, Miliband served as the UK's Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero under former Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Conclusion
Indonesia is encouraging stronger UK–ASEAN cooperation to combat online scams while accelerating the energy transition, reinforcing regional security, sustainable development, and inclusive economic growth.
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