Experts doubt antiterrorism pact<\/p>\n
Annastashya Emmanuelle, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta<\/p>\n
The recently signed anti-terrorism agreement between Indonesia,
\nMalaysia and the Philippines demonstrates the three country's
\ncommitment to fighting terrorism, but analysts doubt if the pact
\nwould serve as an effective tool in combating terrorism.<\/p>\n
While the agreement covers a wide range of cooperation between
\nthe participating countries in restraining translational crimes
\n-- including money laundering, people smuggling and drug
\ntrafficking -- Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines only agree
\non an information exchange and a joint act of pursuing terrorist
\nactivities and suspects.<\/p>\n
Other details, such as extradition, is not covered, making the
\nagreement somewhat vague to be implemented.<\/p>\n
\"The agreement is a sign of commitment of the countries based
\non common concern... its implementation, however, would depend on
\nthe domestic legal instrument that Indonesia, for example, would
\nuse in relation to terrorism,\" said political analyst Kusnanto
\nAnggoro of the Centre for Strategic and International Studies
\n(CSIS) on Sunday.<\/p>\n
The House of Representatives is still deliberating an anti-
\nterrorism bill, in which technicalities of domestic policy on
\ncountering terrorism is expected to be clearly defined.<\/p>\n
\"Thus far, Indonesia does not have a legal instrument for
\nterrorism... (regulation) would be crucial in order for the
\nagreement to be implemented effectively,\" Anggoro said.<\/p>\n
The anti-terrorism agreement was signed in Kuala Lumpur,
\nMalaysia on May 7, witnessed by Malaysian Prime Minister Mahatir
\nMohammad and Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.<\/p>\n
According to Foreign Minister Hassan Wirayuda, Thailand has
\nalso indicated its intention to join the pact, while Singapore
\nwould be participating in parts of the agreement.<\/p>\n
Andi Widjajanto, an international relations analyst from the
\nUniversity of Indonesia, said on Sunday the agreement was more of
\na corner stone while there was not much that could be expected
\nfrom its establishment.<\/p>\n
\"The agreement only mention about the exchange of information
\nwhile the countries thus far have no difficulties of doing so
\nprior to the signing, other steps were not mentioned,\" Andi said.<\/p>\n
Bantarto Bandoro from CSIS said there should be a more
\nconcrete step in order for the agreement to be more gripping, and
\nthere would be operational obstacles in its implementation if
\nleft as it is.<\/p>\n
\"Further cooperation is necessary.. an extradition agreement
\nfor example.. I doubt the agreement would be effective as it is
\nnot concrete enough,\" Bantarto told The Jakarta Post.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/experts-doubt-antiterrorism-pact-1447893297",
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