President Jokowi Promotes Religious, Cultural Approaches to Tackle Terrorism

President Jokowi, accompanied by Vice President Jusuf Kalla, presiding over a limited cabinet meeting discussing political, legal and security affairs at the Presidential Office on Wednesday (16/12)

President Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo said that every time he meets with heads of state, heads of government, presidents or prime ministers, issues related to capitalism, terrorism, and the Islamic State of Iraqi and Syria (ISIS) have always become major topics during the discussions.

“At international forums such as G-20, ASEAN Summit, APEC, COP 21, and other international forums, those issues have always become main topics,” the President said in his opening remarks at the Limited Cabinet Meeting discussing political, legal and security issues at the Presidential Office in Jakarta on Wednesday afternoon (16/12).

According to the President, there are many things that are discussed in those forums; yet, he added, almost all approaches are those related to security and law enforcement approaches.

In fact, the President added, in addition to hard approaches (security and law enforcement), soft approaches can also be taken, be it in the form of religious approaches or cultural approaches.

“This is what we have to do consistently, firmly, and in a sustainable way so when we face those threats, we can handle them really well and we also hope that the current favorable situation can always be well-maintained,” the President said.

The President also asserted that the Government would continue to be present to give a sense of security for all the citizens.

He went on to say that the Government would increase surveillance and security measures in public places, places of worship, seaports, bus stations, and other places.

Also attending the meeting were Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Luhut B. Pandjaitan, Coordinating Minister for the Economy Darmin Nasution, Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Puan Maharani, Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs Rizal Ramli, Minister of State Secretary Pratikno, Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung, Minister of Religious Affairs Lukman Hakim Saifuddin, Chief of the Presidential Staff Teten Masduki, Commander of the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI) General Gatot Nurmantyo, and Chief of the Indonesian National Police (Kapolri) General Badrodin Haiti. (DID/UN/ES) (EP/YM/Naster)