ASIATODAY.ID, BALI – Indonesia has once again affirmed its role as a regional leader with the adoption of the Sanur Declaration at the ASEAN Prosecutors/Attorneys General Meeting (APAGM) 2025, held in Sanur, Bali, on Monday, September 15, 2025.
This historic agreement marks a major milestone for ASEAN prosecutors in reinforcing legal cooperation and combating transnational crimes.
The declaration was signed by the Attorneys General of the ten ASEAN member states: Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. The event was also attended by representatives from the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and senior officials of the Attorney General’s Office, both in person and virtually.
Indonesia as the Driving Force
The Attorney General of Indonesia, ST Burhanuddin, emphasized that the Sanur Declaration represents ASEAN’s shared commitment to addressing the growing challenges of modern cross-border crimes.
“This declaration reflects our collective synergy to strengthen equitable law enforcement across the region, while mitigating crimes that transcend jurisdictions, including online gambling, scamming, corruption, money laundering, and cross-border asset smuggling,” Burhanuddin stated.
He further stressed that cross-border asset recovery plays a critical role in combating transnational crimes, underscoring the importance of close coordination among ASEAN prosecutors while respecting each nation’s legal sovereignty.
Advancing Regional Rule of Law Towards ASEAN 2045
The APAGM is expected to serve as a strategic platform to accelerate international legal cooperation in prosecution, enhance capacity building, and foster the exchange of information and best practices across ASEAN member states.
“Indonesia, as one of the initiators, extends its gratitude for the support of fellow ASEAN Attorneys General. The Sanur Declaration is a momentum to strengthen our joint resolve towards a safer, fairer, and more prosperous ASEAN, in line with the ASEAN Community Vision 2045,” Burhanuddin affirmed.
The Road to the Sanur Declaration
The establishment of APAGM was not an overnight process. It began with a meeting in Bang Saen, Thailand (August 2023), followed by consultations in Bali (April 2024), and later received formal recognition during the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits in Laos (October 2024). The third consultation, held in Siem Reap, Cambodia (November 2024), paved the way for the finalization of the APAGM through the signing of the Sanur Declaration in Bali.
With this declaration, ASEAN member states have reaffirmed their collective commitment to strengthening the rule of law, deepening regional integration, and advancing joint strategies to tackle transnational crimes. (AT Network)
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