WNAM REPORT: Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin and Head of the National Counter-Terrorism Agency (BNPT) Eddy Hartono exchanged views on deradicalization programs and other viable strategies for bolstering Indonesia’s resilience against terrorism.
During the meeting held at his office in Jakarta on Wednesday (January 8), Sjamsoeddin reminded Hartono of the importance of fostering synergy and cohesiveness among BNPT officials and between the agency and other institutions.
“Considering the complex nature of the challenges we face, an integrated and comprehensive approach involving all relevant stakeholders is of the essence,” the minister noted, as cited from his office’s statement released here on the same day.
He then underlined that collaboration between the Ministry of Defense and BNPT is of utmost importance for Indonesia, allowing the nation to effectively curb the spread of radical and terror beliefs in the country.
On his Instagram account, Sjamsoeddin encouraged the anti-terror agency to make continuous improvements and expand its network globally.
“Hopefully, at the global level, the BNPT will actively engage many countries to devise counter-terrorism strategies,” he stated.
The minister also praised the agency for pursuing youngsters’ participation through the Peace Ambassador program and for instilling in schoolchildren the noble values promoted by Indonesia’s national ideology, Pancasila, or the Five Pillars.
Meanwhile, the BNPT head highlighted that his side had been rolling out several programs, such as a training activity for civil servant candidates at the University of Defense in Bogor District, West Java Province, with the objective of educating them on how to counter terrorism in the modern era.
Hartono stated that the training program, held at the Defense Ministry-managed university, is also expected to increase the participants’ understanding of Pancasila
