Counter-Terrorism Agency Increase Security Presidential Inauguration and Regional Elections

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The National Counter-Terrorism Agency (BNPT) is intensifying coordination to address terrorism threats ahead of the 2024 presidential and vice-presidential inauguration and the simultaneous regional elections (Pilkada).

Colonel Indrayanto, Head of BNPT's Use of Force Sub-directorate, stated that enhanced coordination is being implemented through the Coordination Meeting (Rakor) to Anticipate Terrorism Crimes in Preparation for the 2024 Simultaneous Pilkada and Presidential and Vice-Presidential Inauguration, held in Bandung, West Java, on Thursday, June 27, 2024.

He mentioned that the meeting aims to improve and strengthen coordination in counter-terrorism efforts to ensure early detection and prevention of terrorism threats.

"Anticipation through increased and strengthened coordination is necessary to achieve early detection and prevention of terrorism threats," Indrayanto said in a written statement received in Jakarta on Friday, June 28, 2024.

Indrayanto emphasized that terrorism prevention coordination must be a priority to mitigate tensions and maintain a conducive atmosphere in society amid the upcoming Pilkada and the presidential and vice-presidential inauguration.

According to Indrayanto, Pilkada has the potential to create tension, conflict, and even terrorism, exacerbated by the shift in strategy by radical terrorist groups from a "bullet approach" to a "ballot approach."

The importance of synergy and coordination in facing terrorism threats is also supported by University of Indonesia academic Muhammad Syauqillah.

He stated that preventing terrorism threats is a collective effort that involves multiple parties.

"Efforts to prevent terrorism threats include counter-narratives, reducing radical and intolerant content, and monitoring terrorism funding, all achieved through inter-agency or inter-ministerial synergy," Syauqillah said.

The coordination meeting discussed two main topics: trends and threats of terrorism crimes in 2024, and the readiness of government apparatus to face the 2024 Pilkada and the presidential and vice-presidential inauguration from terrorism threats.

Participants in the meeting included members of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) from Korem and Kodim within the Kodam III Siliwangi area, Navy and Air Force units in West Java; police officers from the Polrestabes, Polresta, and Polres within the West Java Regional Police; and members of the National and Political Unity Agency (Kesbangpol) from cities and regencies in West Java Province.

ANTARA

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