BNPT RI and Australia's DFAT initiate public space protection curriculum
The National Counter-Terrorism Agency (BNPT) together with the Australian Government has initiated the development of a regional curriculum for public space protection to strengthen the security and resilience of ASEAN countries.
Deputy for International Cooperation at BNPT Dionisius Elvan Swasono said in a statement confirmed in Jakarta on Wednesday that the evolving modus operandi of terrorism demands strengthened regional cooperation.
“This guide is expected to become a strategic reference for ASEAN countries in strengthening collective security,” said Dionisius.
According to him, the initiative to develop a training curriculum and protection tools for public spaces, vulnerable targets, and critical infrastructure is a follow-up to a meeting in Bali on 28–29 July 2026.
The meeting was titled the ASEAN–Australia Counter-Terrorism Practical Exchange on Good Practice Approaches to Protect Crowded Spaces, Vulnerable Targets, and Critical Infrastructure Workshop.
The activity also served as a forum for ASEAN countries and Australia to share good practices, strengthen capacity, and formulate joint measures to confront increasingly complex and cross-border terrorist threats.
Dionisius expressed hope that the regional training curriculum and accompanying protection tools can serve as a reference for ASEAN countries in strengthening their respective security systems.
Australian Ambassador for Counter-Terrorism Gemma Huggins appreciated the partnership between Australia and ASEAN in maintaining regional security.
“Australia greatly values its close partnership with ASEAN. As terrorist threats continue to evolve, efforts to protect public spaces, vulnerable targets, and critical infrastructure require us to remain adaptive, collaborative, and forward-looking,” she said.
The diversity of participants demonstrated the importance of an approach that involves all elements of society in strengthening resilience against terrorist threats.
Through the forum, BNPT affirmed its commitment to strengthening counter-terrorism diplomacy, expanding international collaboration, and promoting a safe and resilient ASEAN region in the face of terrorist threats.