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