Jakarta (Antara Babel) - Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Wiranto has stressed the need for the world's comity of nations to cooperate and come together in the fight against terrorism which has now become a global issue.
"Networks of terrorism have gone international. Indonesia understands the problem of terrorism, and also that terrorism must be fought together," Wiranto said in a written statement received by Antara here on Thursday.
Wiranto, who was a speaker at the Forum for Coordination and Synchronization (FKS) for National Vigilance in Cirebon, West Java, on Thursday, said terrorism has to be eradicated through multiple strategies, including a soft approach also.
The soft approach involves a program of de-radicalization and counter-terrorism.
The FKS was held under the theme, "Understanding Radicalism and Terrorism Prevention to Increase Public Awareness Early in the Framework to Maintain the Unity of the Nation." It is a counter-terrorism program intensively promoted by the government.
At the event, Wiranto asking the public to support the revision of Law No. 15 of 2003 on Combating Criminal Acts of Terrorism. If it is carried out immediately, it will facilitate the efforts of the law enforcement officers in combating terrorism.
"If we do not pass the revised Law on Anti-Terrorism, we will be combating terrorism with our hands tied behind. If it is not immediately passed, we will have to wait to take action against the perpetrators, as had happened in the case of Thamrin bomb," he stated.
Minister Wiranto also added that terrorists in Indonesia have been using cyber-based tools and advanced technology. The government has been preparing to face the new threat by launching cyber protection efforts in the field of security, e-commerce as well as e-ID (e-KTP).
He disclosed that the remnants of a terror group once led by Santoso are still there, but not too significant.
"Terrorism in Indonesia still exists in the form of Santoso's group, even though their leader had been shot. The group did not disappear following the death of its leader. Every time a terror group's leader dies or is arrested, a new leader emerges. But the security operations have continued and most members of such groups have been decimated," Wiranto reminded.
The group led by Santoso, now killed, is one of the terrorist groups connected to the East Indonesia Mujahidin (MIT) network.
