Australia’s Minister for Home Affairs and Justice Brendan O’Connor has presented three new high-speed patrol boats to the Indonesian National Police (INP) in Jakarta, enhancing the region’s joint capability in the fight against people-smuggling.

The 16-metre aluminium-hulled boats are equipped for high-level surveillance and will be strategically placed by the INP across Indonesian waters to focus on deterring and intercepting people-smuggling ventures. The vessels can operate covertly, taking to the ocean without lighting, and using night vision equipment and infrared spotlights to light up boats without alerting the suspect vessel.

“Australia and Indonesia agree that people smuggling is a complex problem that requires a multi-faceted regional solution and regional law enforcement co-operation,” said O’Connor. “These boats have advanced capabilities and high-level surveillance equipment. They are the latest valuable assets in deterring dangerous people smuggling ventures before they get far from shore.”

The boats, built by Australian company Strategic Marine, will shortly begin patrolling Indonesian waters. Four INP crews are currently undertaking familiarisation training courses, including ship handling, maintenance, operations and safety. The boats were provided through a AU$7.1 million (US$7.0 million) grant to the Australian Federal Police (AFP) in July 2010, part of a new policy initiative to Enhancing Regional Law Enforcement Capability. The project includes AU$1 million for ongoing operational costs of the vessels for the next year, to November 2012.