Letter to the editor: Senior Myanmar diplomat responds
Myanmar's head of mission in Jakarta responds to an opinion article by James H. Shwe on the FATF and Indonesia's role as a task force member, particularly with regard to transnational scam compounds.
The head of Myanmar's mission in Jakarta has responded to an opinion piece addressing the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and Indonesia's involvement in the task force. In a letter to the editor, the diplomat expressed gratitude for the opportunity to reply to the article titled "Jakarta should not lower the bar for Myanmar" published on October 26, 2026.
The diplomat acknowledged Myanmar's commitment to the FATF process, emphasizing that the organization has recognized Myanmar's progress. After the June 2026 FATF plenary, the task force noted improved financial intelligence utilization in law enforcement investigations, transnational money laundering investigations conducted with international cooperation, and increased freezing, seizing, and confiscation of criminal proceeds.
Myanmar remains dedicated to regional financial cooperation frameworks, including ASEAN initiatives, aimed at combating money laundering, terrorism financing, and transnational financial crimes. The diplomat highlighted Myanmar's zero-tolerance policy against online scam compounds, human trafficking, and illegal gambling, as well as its cooperation with neighboring countries, including ASEAN members, to repatriate trafficked individuals, including Indonesians, in a peaceful and dignified manner.
The diplomat also emphasized Myanmar's protection of ordinary people and humanitarian channels, noting that the FATF has recognized the importance of not hindering earthquake relief and civil society activities. The Myanma Foreign Trade Bank and Myanma Investment and Commercial Bank, mentioned in the article, play crucial roles in the public economy and humanitarian transactions. Any restrictive measures against these institutions would directly impact ordinary households and businesses.
Regarding Indonesia's role within the FATF, the diplomat clarified that Indonesia's decision to join the task force is based on technical grounds and should be made by Indonesia itself, based on the FATF's own assessments. The diplomat stressed the importance of respecting sovereignty and non-interference in international relations, alongside the shared commitment to combat transnational organized crime.
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