Meeting With BNPT, President Of Timor Leste Praises Indonesia's Way Of Dealing With Terrorism

Photo via Antara

JAKARTA - The Indonesian government through the National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT) is encouraging the establishment of cooperation with the Timor Leste government in efforts to prevent terrorism in the Southeast Asian region.

"This meeting is to encourage cooperation in counter-terrorism in Indonesia and the Southeast Asian region," said Head of BNPT Commissioner General (Komjen), Boy Rafli Amar, Thursday, July 21.

This was conveyed by Boy after meeting with the President of Timor Leste, José Manuel Ramos-Horta. Both agreed in the effort to prevent the crime of terrorism.

During the meeting, Boy Rafli said that the BNPT must cooperate closely with elements of the government, society and friendly countries to prevent radicalism and terrorism.

The 1988 Police Academy (Akpol) graduate also explained that the abuse of religion by terrorists is still a trend. Therefore, cooperation with religious organizations is necessary to equalize perceptions considering terrorism is not part of religious teachings.

The head of the BNPT explained how the propaganda narrative quickly spread through cyberspace. To deal with this, tolerant religious education and good ways of interacting on social media are effective strategies to implement.

Currently, BNPT is focused on working on prevention, then building a spirit of tolerance, including building an understanding in the community that terrorism activities have nothing to do with religion.

"Educating the public on how to use social media is also important," said Boy.

Meanwhile, the President of Timor Leste, José Ramos-Horta, appreciated the steps taken by the BNPT in dealing with terrorism effectively. Indonesia is considered successful in overcoming terrorism.

"This view is not only from Timor Leste, but also from other Western countries," said Horta.

According to him, Indonesia is a tolerant and peaceful country. This is extraordinary considering its population of 273 million people.

"They (Western countries) see BNPT as active in preventing terrorism. Indonesia is a peaceful Muslim country," he said.