TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Following the terrorist suicide bombing at the Astana Anyar Police station in Bandung, West Java, the National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT) on Thursday, Dec. 8, announced that it will increase the surveillance of former inmates who were imprisoned for terrorism charges in the past.

“These steps are taken to reduce any chances of seeing a similar event happen in the future,” said BNPT chief commissioner general Boy Rafli Amar in a statement on December 8.

The former Papua Police Chief said an extensive effort involving every element of society, including the regional leadership communication forum (Forkopimda) will be needed as he views crimes are similar to viruses. Everyone would need to collectively prevent radicalism and terrorism in their neighborhood.

Based on police data, 1,290 people have participated in the country’s deradicalization programs with 8 percent refusing to undergo such a program and becoming recidivists.

Boy added that the BNPT and the government, in general, condemned all forms of violence, especially the suicide bombing terror attack at the Astanaanyar Police Station which resulted in fatalities and injuries.

"The state strongly condemns incidents of violence like this and expresses condolences," said Boy Rafli Amar.

ANTARA

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