Superintendent Athol Soper is one of two officers stationed in the Indonesian capital. We have NZ Police liaison officers posted in 8 countries around the world. Jakarta is one of four posts established after 9/11.

 

Our liaison officers build relationships with international police agencies and share information with them, contributing to our fight against international crime and terrorism.

 

It's also a huge benefit to have them there in a time of crisis, like the recent bombings. New Zealand businessman Tim Mackay was one of 9 people tragically killed (NZ Herald, 20 July).

 

These awful events always require that certain processes are followed, and Athol has been on hand to help Embassy officials with this. 

 

Athol's strong relationship with the Indonesian National Police meant he was allowed early access to the scene. He has also been included in briefings by the local investigators. It's valuable for Athol to receive information first-hand - he then updates us here in New Zealand. He also links in with liaison officers from other countries who do similar work on behalf of their home countries. 

 

Athol also helped with the process of identifying Mr Mackay's body and was instrumental in contacting his partner in Thailand.

 

Once Jakarta gets over the shock of these bombs, our two liaison officers will continue their project work in and around Indonesia.

 

Much of this aims to help the Indonesian police become more capable and effective. At the moment, we are helping other police agencies develop their community policing and criminal investigation capability in Jakarta, Papua, the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, Ache and beyond. 

 

The world gets smaller day by day. Keeping good relationships with our neighbours and helping to strengthen their police is a sensible and important part of looking after our patch.