Poland in Indonesia

The meeting was an important step towards strengthening relations between the two countries, with the signing of the Agreement on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters as its key outcome.

The agreement signed today is another step on a common path to fighting crime, including organised and cross-border crime. Poland and Indonesia had already expressed their commitment to cooperation in this area by acceding, inter alia, to the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime of 2000, which encourages States to strengthen bilateral cooperation as well – said Minister Waldemar Żurek.

70 years of diplomatic relations

The visit took place at a particularly significant moment – precisely on the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Poland and Indonesia. This milestone highlighted the tradition of constructive cooperation between the two countries and their growing regional roles – Poland within the European Union and Indonesia as a key member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The meeting also served as a testament to the shared commitment to advancing comprehensive collaboration at both bilateral and multilateral levels.

Bilateral meetings

Minister Supratman Andi Agtas held talks with Minister Waldemar Żurek and Władysław Teofil Bartoszewski, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The discussions covered both legal cooperation and the current regional and international situation. The parties reaffirmed their commitment to further deepening cooperation in a spirit of mutual benefit, laying the groundwork for an even stronger partnership.

Areas of cooperation

The ministers emphasized the importance of legal cooperation as one of the pillars of Polish-Indonesian relations. They committed to intensifying the exchange of expertise and coordination between their respective ministries, as well as to enhancing cooperation in the field of crime prevention — including the launch of consultations on an extradition agreement.

Minister Waldemar Żurek also highlighted the potential of utilizing EU instruments such as twinning and TAIEX, which could support institutional reforms and the organization of training programmes for public officials, as well as foster economic and legal cooperation between Poland and Indonesia.

Signing the Agreement

The signing of the Agreement between the Republic of Poland and the Republic of Indonesia on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters was the key highlight of the visit. The document establishes a robust framework for cooperation between the two countries, grounded in the principles of sovereignty, equality, respect for human rights, and the rule of law. The ministers pledged to undertake steps toward the ratification and implementation of the Agreement, expressing their conviction that it will serve as a foundation for further strengthening the partnership between Poland and Indonesia.

The Agreement on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters is the first of its kind concluded bilaterally. We hope that the next will be an extradition agreement, the minister added.

The new document replaces previous, less effective cooperation mechanisms and introduces a legal framework that ensures faster, simpler, and more flexible procedures, thereby strengthening the security of legal transactions and efforts to combat crime.

The above information is a statement of the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Poland provided to PAP.

Photos: Ministry of Law of the Republic of Indonesia / Poland MFA