BNPT: Collaboration with Macau Police Crucial in Counter-Terrorism

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia’s National Counter-Terrorism Agency (BNPT) has emphasised that collaboration with Macau Police (MJP), China, is a crucial step in intensifying counter-terrorism measures. In a meeting with the Macau Police in Sentul, West Java, on Wednesday (1/4), BNPT’s Director of Bilateral Cooperation, Brigadier General of Police Dhani Hernando, stated that the cooperation between the two is not merely a diplomatic formality, but rather to foster mutual trust in ongoing coordination in the field of counter-terrorism. “This first meeting serves as a strategic foundation for building mutual trust, deepening institutional understanding, and developing a sustainable framework for coordination between the institutions,” said Brigadier General Dhani, as quoted from a statement confirmed in Jakarta on Saturday. Meanwhile, BNPT is strengthening international cooperation through this inaugural meeting with the Macau Police. The strategic meeting focused on protecting Indonesian citizens (WNI) abroad and sharing best practices. It is recorded that around 8,000 Indonesian citizens live and work in Macau. Therefore, Indonesia’s presence is very much needed in maintaining public safety and mitigating potential risks of extremism. He assessed that the visit holds special significance as it marks the first meeting between the two institutions to strengthen dialogue and closer cooperation in the field of counter-terrorism, especially in the context of citizen protection and sharing best practices. Meanwhile, the Head of the Macau Delegation, who is also Deputy Director of MJP Lai Man Vai, expressed deep appreciation for the welcome from the Indonesian side. He affirmed that despite differences in culture and population structure, both parties share the same goals in protecting citizens. “We have differences in our culture and population structure, but we have the same goals and objectives, namely to protect our citizens,” said Lai Man Vai on the same occasion. Therefore, he hopes that from now on, Indonesia and Macau can pursue the same goals and work closely together. The meeting also discussed other potential cooperation, such as efforts to prevent radicalisation and violent extremism, capacity building, and training. The delegation’s visit concluded with a direct observation of deradicalisation efforts at the Class II B Sentul Prison to showcase Indonesia’s approach that emphasises a balance between security measures and rehabilitation and reintegration programmes.