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.