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Govt to form a joint task force for counterterrorism
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The National Police’s Densus 88 counterterrorism squad takes down suspected terrorists in a simulation at the East Java Police headquarters in Surabaya, East Java, in this file photo. (thejakartapost.com/Wahyoe Boediwardhana)
T
he government plans to form a permanent joint task force among government offices in order to step up efforts in counterterrorism amid the current rapid spread of radicalism, a top antiterror official said Monday.
The task force would consist of representatives from various ministries related to counterterrorism measures to overcome challenges against the rampant spread of radicalization, the National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT) chief Comr. Gen. Suhardi Alius said.
"The BNPT will become the leading agency in formulating effective programs to counter radicalization and [the task force] will become a bridge for all ministries," he told journalists following a special meeting at the Office of Coordinating Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Minister.
Synergy among all government officers is of great importance in countering terrorism, he said. For example, cooperation with the Information and Communication Ministry could focus on tackling the spread of radical ideology through internet and social media. Moreover, participation from the Culture and Education Ministry and the Social Affairs Ministry could help to assist former terrorist convicts to integrate back into society after serving prison time, in order to prevent any of them from going back to radicalism.
No details were given on when the task force would formally be established. However, Suhardi said he would send letters to the ministries requesting representatives appointed for the task force. (rin)
