President Jokowi Applauds Cooperation with Australia on Combatting Terrorism
President Jokowi in the Plenary Session of the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit at International Convention Centre, Sydney, on Sunday (18/3). (Photo by: BPMI)
President Joko Jokowi Widodo on Sunday (18/3) at the International Convention Center, Sydney delivered his remarks at the Plenary Session of the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit.
In his remarks, the President appreciated active involvement of Australia and ASEAN in fighting terrorism.
“I would like to express my appreciation to Australia for promoting counter-terrorism cooperation with ASEAN. Counter-terrorism cooperation is the concern of all countries since the threat of terrorism still exists, including in our region,” the President said.
On that occasion, President Jokowi also cited the post-Marawi sub-regional cooperation initiated by Indonesia and Australia, along with Malaysia, the Philippines, Brunei Darussalam and New Zealand, as an example of quick and effective cooperation.
“This cooperation is a very practical one and the results can be achieved directly,” the President said, adding that he also welcomed the signing of “ASEAN-Australia Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation to Counter International Terrorism”.
The memorandum of understanding, according to the President, will strengthen efforts to combat the threat of terrorism. From my observations, this MoU emphasizes the balance between hard and soft approach,” the President said.
President Jokowi went on to say that a hard approach alone is not enough to overcome the threat of terrorism and radicalism and instead, it needs to be balanced with a soft approach. As for hard approach, one of the most important aspects is preventive measures, the President said.
“Failures to take preventive actions will not only result in casualties and other major losses, but also trigger an unnecessary excessive reaction. Therefore, the cooperation on capacity building to prevent terrorist attacks needs to be improved,” the President further said.
The President also shared Indonesias experiences in taking de-radicalization and counter-radicalization measures considered out of the box as the examples of soft approach. One example is the inclusion of ex-convicted terrorism prisoners in an effort to prevent the growing threat of radicalism and terrorism. These former terrorism prisoners are also facilitated to meet with the families of the victims.
“Former terrorist prisoners are currently assisting the Government in spreading values ??of tolerance and peace. They have become agents of tolerance and peace. With the help of these former inmates, their families and neighborhoods are more easily converted into a tolerant and peaceful environment, “the President said.
In the closing of his speech, the President noted that Indonesia has two large Islamic organizations, namely Nahdlatul Ulama and Muhamadiyah which work together and greatly assist the Government in spreading the value of tolerance and peace. In addition, the President also highlighted the importance of involving millennials, particularly in counter-radicalization who have been effective as “peace ambassadors” since they use the language that their generation understands.
“Finally, it is my hope that cooperation on fighting radicalism and terrorism will continue to be enhanced through both hard approach and soft approach. Indonesia is always ready to contribute,” President Jokowi concluded. (BPMI/EN) (RI/EP/NASTER)
