RI, Australia to bolster efforts on antiterrorism

RI, Australia to bolster efforts on antiterrorism

Fabiola Desy Unidjaja and Dadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post,
Jakarta

Indonesia and Australia pledged on Tuesday to continue
cooperation in suppressing all forms of terrorism and to bring to
justice perpetrators of such acts.

A joint statement signed by Minister of Foreign Affairs Hassan
Wirayuda and his counterpart Alexander Downer said that terrorism
was a transnational threat that could be combated through a
comprehensive approach and close cooperation in bilateral,
regional, and multilateral forums.

"Australia and Indonesia reaffirm their commitment to working
together to prevent and suppress all forms of terrorist acts and
to bringing the perpetrators of such acts to justice," the
statement said.

Following the deadly Bali bombing last Oct. 12, which killed
202 people, including 89 Australians, Indonesia and Australia
signed an agreement allowing the Australian Federal Police (AFP)
to join the investigation into the incident.

Close to 30 people have been arrested as suspects, some of
whom will be brought to court in April, including principal
suspects Amrozi and Abdul Azis alias Imam Samudra.

Amrozi has admitted purchasing chemical materials used in the
bombing, while Imam Samudra has been charged with masterminding
the terrorist attacks. Both face the death sentence under the
newly endorsed terrorism bill.

"Indonesia and Australia have recognized the need to join
together to fight terrorism with all available means including
within the framework of our agreement.

"The value of joint efforts was clearly reflected in the
success of the investigation into the Bali bombings," the
statement said.

Downer was in Jakarta to attend a ministerial forum on
Tuesday, which brought the two countries closer especially in
dealing with terrorism.

Canberra has repeatedly expressed appreciation to the
Indonesian police for their prompt and effective investigation
into the case.

Last week, National Police Chief Gen. Da'i Bachtiar visited
Australia on Canberra's invitation in appreciation of the
police's hard work.

"Australia is very happy now with the way the relationship is
working," Downer said in the press conference after the signing
of the statement.

The two countries also labeled proliferation of nuclear,
chemical and biological weapons as terrorist acts and
acknowledged the valuable role of the United Nations in fighting
this as well as their commitment to support these efforts.

Tuesday's meeting -- the sixth conference of Cabinet members
since the forum was established in 1992-- also featured
commitments from both sides to boost economic ties.

According to Minister of Industry and Trade Rini M. Soewandi,
despite the ups and downs in political ties, the economic ties
between the two countries have been encouraging.

In fact last year, total exports and imports between the two
reached a record high.

Last year, total trading between the two reached A$7.4
billion, with Indonesia's exports to Australia valued at A$4.3
billion, placing Australia as Indonesia's 12th largest export
destination.