Indonesian police have arrested a suspected notorious people smuggler known as Captain Bram believed to have organised smuggling ventures to Australia since 1999.
Immigration Minister Peter Dutton said Indonesia National Police located Captain Bram - real name Abraham Louhenapessy - in West Jakarta on Friday.
He said Captain Bram had a long history of criminal people smuggling targeted at Australia, going back to 1999.
"We know that Captain Bram is a key player in the people smuggling networks across Indonesia and we congratulate the Indonesian National Police on their determination to stop this criminal from risking the lives of any more vulnerable people," he said in a statement.
Mr Dutton said Australian co-operation with Indonesia was essential to shutting down the people smuggling trade and his arrest demonstrated the success of offshore deterrence.
"But we need to remain vigilant because people smugglers will do almost anything to convince vulnerable people to part with their money and get on to a leaky boat," he said.
Justice Minister Keenan said Bram could face up to 10 years in prison.
"We are extremely pleased this notorious people smuggler has been stopped," he said in a statement.
Mr Keenan said there were more criminal people smugglers out there .
"We will continue to work with our regional partners to bring them to justice," he said.
