Our Continued Struggle Against Terrorism

Indonesia has received numerous high marks in its role and efforts in counter-terrorism. Instead of falling victims to the heinous actions of terrorists, the Indonesian Government and people have worked hand-in-hand with the rest of the international community to systematically tackle terrorism and its root causes.

A recent article in the well-known foreign policy magazine, The Diplomat, (http://the-diplomat.com/asean-beat/2011/08/17/indonesias-anti-terror-model/) praised the Indonesian Government for its “nuanced approach” approach to counter-terrorism. The article was written in relations to the recent capture of Umar Patek, one of the sbomb-makers responsible for the 2002 Bali bombing, which killed 202 people and maimed hundreds more. Umar Patek was captured in Pakistan and extradited to Indonesia.

The article observed that “Indonesia’s efforts show individual countries and the broader international community can develop effective counter-terrorism policies without resorting to invading the sovereignty of states and deploying military personnel there… It also shatters the perception that the Indonesian government has been ‘soft’ with respect to prosecuting terror suspects.”

Since the devastating Bali bombings, Indonesia’s fight against terrorism has been highlighted by the capture, conviction and execution terrorists such as Amrozi bin Nurhasyimas well as the conviction and imprisonment of Jemaah Islamiyah spiritual leader Abu Bakar Bashir this year. These events have strongly demonstrated Indonesia’s resolve in bringing to justice the perpetrators of terrorist attacks through international cooperation and proper legal procedures.