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Terrorist financing getting stronger: experts
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Surrender – This picture shows Salman, aka Opik (left), on duty guarding East Indonesia Mujahidin (MIT) leader Santoso, aka Abu Wardah (right), in a forest in Poso, Central Sulawesi. (Courtesy of the Operation Tinombala Task Force/-)
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ndonesia is facing tough challenges countering terrorism as financial support for terrorist groups has been getting stronger of late. Indonesia must cooperate closely with countries in the region to prevent widespread terrorism, an expert has said.
Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (PPATK) deputy chairman Agus Santoso said on Tuesday terrorists had many ways of financing their activities.
"They can finance their activities independently by selling herbal food or books but then, they can shift to criminal acts, such as robbery or hacking. They can get funds in many ways, mixing illegal money with legal money," Agus said.
He was speaking during the 2nd Counter Terrorism Financing Summit in Nusa Dua, Bali. Delegates from at least 55 countries attended the meeting.
Agus explained that financing for terrorism came not only from small businesses but also from larger companies.
"The companies operate in various fields such as textile manufacturing, construction and many more. It is obvious the world’s terrorist networks have been supported with big capital," Agus said.
He further said that the educational background of terrorists also influenced their method of building up their financial sources.
"Robbery may be committed by terrorists who graduated only from elementary school, while terrorists with hacking skills may have a diploma. For those who have a company, it is probable they have a higher educational background," he added.
Co-hosted by Indonesia and Australia, the Nusa Dua summit is to follow up the first meeting held in Australia last year. The PPATK has cooperated with the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) to track terrorist financing. (ebf)
