Officials of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) have started exploratory talks with Indonesia for a cadet exchange program between the two countries.
The Cadet Exchange Program was among the highlights during the meeting between PNPA officials and the Indonesian National Police (INP) led by its deputy chief for Social and Culture of Intelligence and Security Maj. gen. Muhammad Abdul Kadir on Wednesday, Dec. 13.
Once concluded, it would pave the way for exchange of cadets between the PNPA and Akademi Kepolisian of Indonesia, both are members of the International Association of Police Academies.
Also discussed were curriculum development and faculty exchange, facilities upgrade, inclusion of short courses to the program of instruction and the conduct of executive courses for both parties.
In a statement released, the PNPA emphasized the importance of academic partnership between the two countries in terms of honing future leaders of the two police organizations.
"The steady progress made by our immediate neighbor in the Association of Southeast Nations (ASEAN) region has highlighted the critical importance of a strong security force like the Indonesian National Police, which is charged with maintaining law and order and thwarting threats to it," the statement read.
"Such an organization cannot be neglected in the name of progress and development," it added.
Currently, the PNPA does not have foreign students. The academic exchange program it has is with South Korea but it is limited for post-graduate programs.
But PNPA spokesperson Police Lt. Col. Louie Gonzaga said they are also conducting exploratory talks with the Federated States of Micronesia for a cadet exchange program.
The INP delegation was welcomed by the PNPA Deputy Superintendent Brig,. Gen. Joaquin R Alva, the Chief of Staff, Commandant of Cadets, Dean of Academics and all Division and Section Chiefs and members of the faculty.