Repeka Nasiko – Police Commissioner Ben Groenewald says funding has been received from the Indonesian Government for the development of the Melanesian Spearhead Group regional police academy.
While visiting the Western Division earlier this week, Mr Groenewald said regional discussions on the progress of the academy were held recently.
"The regional police academy is part of the MSG and we had a meeting in the Solomon Islands where the chiefs of police from all MSG countries attended," he said. "We are progressing in the inter-country training through the regional police academy."
He said the Indonesian Government provided funding that would go towards the possible upgrade of the institution.
"I had a discussion with a representative from the Indonesian Government recently, and yes, they have already sponsored us. The money will be used in either building or upgrading existing accommodation for the regional police academy."
The funding comes in light of the recent support by Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama towards the Asian country's bid to be included in the MSG.
While speaking to the press in Japan, Mr Bainimarama said having Indonesia as an associate member made sense given that a large population of Melanesians lived in Indonesia.
"There is a whole lot of talk about Papua but you know Papua comes under the governance of Indonesia and if you want to do anything in Papua, the best thing to do is to bring in Indonesia, no matter what," he said. "If we bring in Papua separately, it doesn't make sense."