Indonesia-Belgia Agree To Increase Cooperation In Combating Terrorism

JAKARTA - The Indonesian government, through the National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT), and Belgium agreed to increase cooperation in the field of countering terrorism.

Head of BNPT Komjen Mohammed Rycko Amelza Dahniel said the cooperation between the two countries needs to continue to be improved considering the dynamics of the development of transnational ideology occurring in parts of the world.

"This cooperation must continue to be improved in the future," said Ryan in a statement quoted by ANTARA, Wednesday, December 6.

Rycko and his staff held a meeting with the Belgian Minister of Home Affairs (Mendagri) Annelies Verlinden who was accompanied by the Director of The Coordination Unit for Threat Analysis (CUTA) Belgium in Brussels, Friday (1/12).

During the meeting, Rycko outlined the efforts made by the two countries in implementing a cooperation agreement in the field of counter-terrorism signed by Indonesia and Belgium in June 2022.

"There have been various forms of cooperation, such as exchanging information, experience, and the best learning as well as strengthening capacity and capability. There has also been a joint working group (JWG) meeting, the first being held in Belgium and the second being held in Jakarta in October 2023," explained Rycko.

He explained several things that need to be followed up from the results of the JWG meeting, including the importance of sharing experiences regarding the handling of women and children associated with Foreign Terrorist Fighters (FTF).

He said more than 60 countries whose citizens were deceived and joined FTF in conflict areas, such as Syria and Iraq. Currently, added Rycko, there are still many women and children who are associated with the FTF.

"So, it is important to share the best experiences related to handling women and children associated with Foreign Terrorist Fighters," said Rycko.

In line with Rycko, Annelies Verlinden assessed that the increase in cooperation between the two countries by sharing experiences in preventing terrorism incidents was important and strategic.

Verlinden highlighted Indonesia's experience in regulating and maintaining security, given its large population. Therefore, he assessed that cooperation between Belgium and Indonesia in tackling terrorism is very important to do.

"Especially in the field of counter-terrorism, it is very important for both countries to continue to increase cooperation and share the best practices because the experience of one country will certainly be learned and a lesson for other countries to be able to anticipate an incident," said Verlinden.