Regional, int'l cooperation to fight terrorism

Regional, int'l cooperation to fight terrorism

Two things are top priorities for Indonesia now: (i) to arrest and expose the perpetrators and mastermind of the bomb blasts in Bali on Oct. 12, and (ii) to draw up a clear anti-terrorism policy.

The second priority is also concerned with international cooperation against terrorism as called for by the Philippine president and the prime minister of Thailand. A regional conference must be held to mobilize a regional front against terrorism. In this respect, ASEAN leaders will meet to discuss this matter before their Oct. 26 and 27 APEC summit meeting in Mexico.

Naturally, ASEAN leaders are very concerned with fighting terrorism because the terrorist attack on Sept. 11, 2001 has led to more terrorists acts in the region such as kidnappings in the Philippines and the recent bomb blasts in Bali. These acts hamper the region's economic recovery and welfare programs.

In the context of fighting terrorism, Indonesia seems to be the weakest link because of the lack of clarity in its efforts to eradicate terrorism. The result is the tragic incident in Bali. In this respect, Indonesia has been severely criticized because of its lack of firmness in the fight against terrorism has brought about unfavorable sentiment to the regional and global markets.

The United Nations has called for global cooperation to eradicate the specter of terrorism. Global cooperation will ensure that the fight against terrorism will be waged in earnest as a concerted effort without harming any country's sovereignty.

-- Kompas, Jakarta