PREVENTING SOCIAL MEDIA FROM BEING USED TO SPREAD RADICALISM by Fardah

Jakarta, May 31, 2018 (Antara) - In the era of information technology, terrorists have used the internet to conduct propaganda, recruitment, planning, and funding as well as to carry out terror activities.

         Indonesia, the world's largest Muslim-majority country, is exposed to threats, as over 120 million Indonesians use the internet, and over 200 million Indonesians have mobile phones.

         One of the manifestations of cybercrimes is the misuse of internet, including social media, by terrorists, according to Head of the National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT) Commissioner General Suhardi Alius.

         In his speech during the 27th meeting of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice held on May 14-18 in Vienna, Austria, Alius urged countries in the world to strengthen international cooperation to prevent and combat terrorism and highlight the dangers of internet abuse by terrorists.

         Comprehensive and holistic efforts through cooperation among all stakeholders in the country and international collaboration are the keys to overcoming the problem, he noted while outlining three steps to prevent the abuse of cyberspace.

         Firstly, protecting vulnerable groups of people, especially women and youth, from the influence of radical ideology spread over the internet.

         Secondly, countries must promote the values of tolerance, moderation, and peaceful culture as a counter-narrative to the radical ideology that has fostered violence and extremism.

         Thirdly, countries should continue to collaborate and strengthen partnerships with internet providers.

CLOSER REGIONAL COOPERATION VITAL TO FIGHT AGAINST FOREIGN TERRORIST FIGHTERS by Fardah

Jakarta, July 31, 2017 (Antara) - Indonesia, Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia, New Zealand, and the Philippines have agreed to strengthen cooperation and collaboration in counterterrorism amid the growing threat of radicalism resulting in violent extremism and terrorism in the region.

         The six neighboring countries reached the agreement during the First Sub-Regional Meeting On Foreign Terrorist Fighters (FTF) and Cross Border Terrorism held in Manado, North Sulawesi, on July 29, 2017.

        The meeting, co-hosted by Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Wiranto and Australian Attorney-General Senator George Brandis, was focused on developing and coordinating responses to the threats posed by FTF returning to and operating in the sub-region.

         FTF pose a real threat to the Southeast Asian region, according to Commissioner General Suhardi Alius, head of the Counterterrorism Agency.   
    "FTF are a real threat in the Southeast Asian region that needs to be dealt with jointly," he had noted in a press statement.

          Southeast Asian countries need to step up vigil against the threat of FTF following a military operation by the Philippines in Marawi against armed groups allegedly belonging to the ISIS network, he remarked following the Manado meeting.

         Members of Indonesia's delegation in the meeting included Foreign Affairs Minister Retno L.P. Marsudi, Chief of the Indonesian Police General Tito Karnavian, Chief of Staff of General Affairs of the Indonesian Defense Forces Vice Admiral Didit Herdiawan Ashaf, Communication and Informatics Minister Rudiantara, Justice and Human Rights Minister Yasonna Laoly, Head of the Indonesian Financial Transaction Report and Analysis Kiagus Ahmad Badaruddin, and Suhardi Alius.

G20 NATIONS STAND UNITED AND FIRM AGAINST TERRORISM by Fardah

Jakarta, July 13 , 2017(Antara) - Leaders of G20 member countries, including Indonesia, share a common view that terrorism is a global scourge that must be fought and terrorist-safe havens be eliminated in every part of the world.
        Hence, at a gathering in Hamburg, Germany, on July 7-8, 2017, the leaders pledged to forge closer cooperation in undertaking counterterrorism and deradicalization efforts.
       Their commitment was outlined in The Hamburg G20 Leaders' Statement on Countering Terrorism that, among other things, read: "We, the Leaders of the G20, strongly condemn all terrorist attacks worldwide and stand united and firm in the fight against terrorism and its financing. These atrocious acts have strengthened our resolve to cooperate to enhance our security and protect our citizens."
   The leaders, including President Joko Widodo (Jokowi), vowed to facilitate swift and targeted exchanges of information between intelligence, law enforcement, and judicial authorities on operational information-sharing, preventive measures, and criminal justice response while ensuring the necessary balance between security and data protection aspects in accordance with national laws.
        Moreover, they will ensure that counterterrorism steps will continue to be part of a comprehensive approach, including combating radicalization and recruitment, curbing terrorist movements, and countering terrorist propaganda.

INDONESIA, MALAYSIA, PHILIPPINES ENHANCE COOPERATION IN COUNTERTERRORISM by Fardah

 Jakarta, June 23, 2017 (Antara) - The neighboring countries of Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines have agreed to collaborate to address the common threats of terrorism and violent extremism confronting the region, as terrorism is an extraordinary crime that transcends borders.

        The nations are committed to effectively addressing existing and emerging transnational challenges and threats that have the potential to undermine the stability and well-being of countries in the region.

        The commitment was stated in a joint statement issued during the Trilateral Meeting on Security held in Manila on June 22, 2017, and attended by Indonesia's Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi, Malaysian Minister of Foreign Affairs Anifah Hj. Aman, and Filipino Secretary of Foreign Affairs Alan Peter S. Cayetano.

        During the meeting, the ministers raised concerns over the recent incidents of terrorism and violent extremism in their countries and reaffirmed their commitment to working together to jointly develop and implement counterterrorism measures and strategies.

        They deliberated and agreed to task their senior officials to consider the proposed plan of action, in the context of several measures and to report thereon at their next meeting.

        The measures include enhancing efforts and cooperation to address the root causes and underlying conditions of extremism, including those not limited to poverty, narcotics or illegal drugs, crime, and social injustice.

INDONESIAN MILITARY TO PLAY BIGGER ROLE IN COUNTERTERRORISM by Fardah

Jakarta, June 13. 2017  (Antara) - Terrorism is an extraordinary crime that could threaten Indonesia's sovereignty, therefore the fight against it needs participation of every possible stakeholder, particularly police and military.

        In Indonesia, the National Police (Polri) is indeed the main law enforcement institution that has carried out the fight against terrorism so far, through their  counterterrorism special squad Densus 88, and CounterTerrorism Agency (BNPT).

         The Indonesian Defense Forces (TNI), however, has frequently supported the Police in operation to fight terrorists in several cases so far.

       But, the government wishes to see a bigger role of the military in eradicating terrorism.

        Currently, a special committee of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) is in the process of revising Law No. 15 Year 2003 on Counterterrorism.         
   President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has expressed his hope that the DPR could conclude the revision as soon as possible and the revised law could clearly describe the role of TNI in the counterterrorism efforts in this country.         
    "I would like the anti-terror bill to immediately be pursued in the house and with the minister of political, legal, and security affairs, and I would like the discussion related to the bill to be completed as soon as possible," President Jokowi said recently.   
    The president also wants the revised law to mention the involvement of the Indonesian military in fighting terrorism.

TERROR ATTACK NEAR JAKARTA BUS TERMINAL DEPLORED by Fardah

Jakarta, May 25, 2017 (Antara)- From President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) to Ulemas (Muslim scholars) and Jakarta's governor-elect Anies Baswedan, among others, several prominent figures have strongly condemned the suicide terror attack that hit near Kampung Melayu bus terminal, eastern Jakarta, killing three police officers.

          The Jakarta bomb explosions that occurred on May 24 evening, just two days after Manchester terror attack, killed two suspected suicide bombers too.

          One of the suicide bombers, identified by his initial as INS (40), was killed, with his head, legs, and body blown apart. Another suspect, believed to be a woman, was killed too.

          Eleven people, including five police officers, two female university students, and drivers of public vehicles, were injured in the twin blasts that hit five minutes apart at 9 p.m. and 9:05 p.m. local time, respectively.

         The injured victims were rushed to the Premier Jatinegara Hospital, Said Sukant Kramat Jati Police Hospital, Budi Asih Hospital, and Hermina Hospital that were located nearby.

        The police officers were on duty to guard a group of people who were holding a torch parade to welcome the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan. The parade had not yet passed by when the blasts occurred.

         The country's Head of State and various other parties expressed their condolences to the victims and families of the suicide bombing.

          "I convey my deepest condolences to the victims and their families, including those still in hospital, particularly the police officers on duty," Jokowi stated at his residence in Solo, Central Java, on May 25.

          The president has instructed Chief of the National Police General Tito Karnavian to investigate the crime and quell the network of suicide bombers.

YOUTH SHOULD BECOME PEACE ENVOYS IN FIGHT AGAINST TERRORISM by Fardah

 Jakarta, April 15, 2017 (Antara) - The younger generation is the future of Indonesia and hence should be safeguarded from being influenced by the ideologies spread by terrorists and radicals.

          The youth must also be at the forefront in the fight against the spread of radicalism and terrorism in cyberspace, as they spend much of their time on the internet.  
     Along with advancements in the field of information technology, radical terrorist groups have changed their ways of recruitment. The main target of their propaganda is the younger generation.

          "Radical terrorist groups no longer rely on figures and face-to-face forums but rather on influencing the youth through massive propaganda in cyberspace," Commissioner General Suhardi Alius, head of the National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT), noted while addressing several youth participating in a training course on "Peace Envoy of Cyber Media 2017" in Bandung, West Java, on Apr 10-13.

          The younger generation must play an active role in countering content indicating terrorism and radicalism campaigns, including those aimed at recruiting new members through the internet.

          "Today, your role as BNPT's peace envoys in cyber media is to counter (radicalism and terrorism) by spreading content carrying peace messages in cyberspace," he stated.     
     Alius said he was aware that the task is not easy, though he believes that the youth have their own strategies and means to fight terrorism and radicalism.

IORA FORGES REGIONAL COOPERATION AGAINST TERRORISM By Fardah

Jakarta, March 17, 2017 (Antara) - Identifying terrorism as a global challenge, nations located in the Indian Ocean rim have shown determination to maintain security and stability to protect the region from terrorism.

         For this, member countries of the Indian Ocean Rim Association, (IORA) during its first summit held in Jakarta, early March 2017, issued a Declaration on Preventing and Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism, which is expected to have a significant influence on economic cooperation across the Indian Ocean region.

         In the declaration, the member states have denounced terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations.

         They have resolved to stand together to prevent and counter terrorism and violent extremism, and to work to support each other's efforts to counter the threat from terrorism and violent extremism, including through enhanced cooperation and coordination of efforts, dialogue and sharing of information, expertise, best practices and experiences, as well as by stemming the funding for terrorism.

         They have agreed to cooperate against terrorist and violent extremist ideology and propaganda by, promoting positive messages of respect, tolerance, co-existence, inclusion, diversity and social cohesion, among others.    
    Besides these, they have also vowed to promote the role of education and society in building resilience against violent extremism, including fostering inclusion and respect for different cultures and beliefs, as well as enhancing women's role in preventing and countering terrorism and violent extremism.

RADICAL WEBSITES BEING CLOSELY MONITORED IN INDONESIA by Fardah

Jakarta, Jan 17, 2017 (Antara) - The Communication and Informatics Ministry has been closely monitoring radical websites in Indonesia and has even blocked several of them to prevent the spread of radical ideology.  
   On December 30, 2016, the ministry had blocked 11 websites: voa-islam.com, nahimunkar.com, kiblat.net, bisyarah.com, dakwahtangerang.com, islampos.com, suaranews.com, izzamedia.com, gensyiah.com, muqawamah.com, and abuzubair.net.

        The websites were blocked for allegedly disseminating negative news.

        After the websites were blocked, their operators had met Samuel A. Pangerapan, the director general of Application and Informatics of the ministry, on January 4, 2017.

        Four of them urged the ministry to unblock their websites, while one expressed his objection to the act.

        The operator of voa-Islam.com was among those present at the meeting. The ministry explained the reasons behind the blocking suggested by a certain mass organization and the Police's counterterrorism squad Densus 88 and urged the operators to meet some requirements and conditions if they wanted their websites to be unblocked.

        The ministry has requested the operator of voa-Islam.com to delete four news stories deemed inappropriate including that on Densus 88, non-active Jakarta governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama alias Ahok, and Dutch Christians who had colonized Indonesia in the past, according to information on the voa-Islam.com website unblocked on January 10.

CLOSER COORDINATION, COOPERATION NEEDED TO COUNTER TERRORISM, EXTREMISM by Fardah

Jakarta, Sept 8, 2016 (Antara)- Terrorism is still considered to be a major potential threat, and thus, it was selected as an important topic of discussion at the ASEAN Summits and ASEAN Plus dialog partners' Summits in Vientiane, Laos.

          In almost all speeches and presentations during the summits, every leader highlighted terrorism and extremism as a common enemy that should be tackled through regional and international cooperation.

          President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) was one of the ASEAN leaders whose speeches also warned of the dangers of extremism and terrorism in Southeast Asia.

          He, therefore, called on every ASEAN leader to optimize all ASEAN mechanisms to counter terrorism and extremism.

          The ASEAN member nations must take common actions and strengthen security in their respective countries, Jokowi, who was accompanied by Foreign Affairs Minister Retno LP Marsudi and Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung, stated during the ASEAN Leaders' Retreat in Vientaine, on Sept. 7.

          Meanwhile, Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong warned ASEAN leaders of the changing face of terrorism and its growing threat to the region that makes it one of the three big issues confronting the ASEAN.

          "The conclusion is we have to work together more closely, share intelligence and our analysis of threats, counter extremist doctrines and exchange views, and take concerted actions against terrorist groups," Lee was quoted as saying by Straitstimes.com.

CROSS-SECTORAL SYNERGY CRUCIAL FOR UNDERTAKING COUNTERTERRORISM EFFORTS by Fardah

Jakarta, Aug 25, 2016 (Antara) - There is no room for terrorism in Indonesia, President Joko Widodo had remarked in his State of the Nation Address on the 71st anniversary of Indonesian Independence at the Parliament Building on Aug. 16.

          The government will not compromise with parties orchestrating acts of terror and violence across the country, the president noted.

          Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Minister Wiranto recently held a coordination meeting to discuss counterterrorism efforts.

          The meeting was attended by the representatives of 17 ministries and state institutions, including Communication and Informatics Minister Rudiantara and National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT) Chief Commissioner General Suhardi Alius.

         As the problem of terrorism is very complex, the meeting agreed that relevant ministries and state institutions should establish synergy to conduct counterterrorism efforts.      
     The meeting also reached a consensus to make BNPT the leading body to coordinate the activities of a counterterrorism task force comprising representatives of relevant ministries and state institutions.

          "We will form a task force involving definitive officials having access to ministers or institution chiefs to enable them to formulate strategies to ensure effectiveness of de-radicalization and counter-radicalization programs and at the same time act as a bridge among ministries," Alius remarked following the meeting.

FTFs POSE GRAVE THREAT TO GLOBAL PEACE, SECURITY by Fardah

Jakarta, Aug 13, 2016 (Antara) - Watch out for individual terrorists returning home after fighting alongside terror groups overseas such as the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) in the Middle East.
         That was the message from the International Meeting on Counter-Terrorism (IMCT) which just concluded in Bali, on August 10, 2016.
          Some 140 delegates from 23 countries attended the meeting themed "Countering Cross-Border Movement of Terrorism," which was officially opened by Vice President M Jusuf Kalla.
        The phenomenon of foreign terrorist fighters (FTFs) has become a threat to every nation, Chief of the National Counter-Terrorism Agency (BNPT) Commissioner General Suhardi Alius warned.
          "The perpetrators of terrorism, who not only come from local areas but also from overseas, enter certain countries to carry out various actions. This phenomenon is one of our key areas of focus for undertaking terrorism preventive measures," Alius noted in a press statement, Wednesday.
           There is also a growing phenomenon of ISIS sympathizers moving to Iraq and Syria to join the militant group.
         In the past, hundreds of Indonesians had gone to Afghanistan to join Al Qaeda. 
    "What had happened in Bali some years ago was the result of those people moving to Afghanistan. The government does not want this to recur with the return of Indonesians from Iraq and Syria," Alius remarked.
           The recruitment by the ISIS can be considered as human trafficking. They use the Internet to communicate with and recruit new members, Alius believed.   
    The FTF is a cross-border terrorism phenomenon, whose emergence coincided with the creation of the ISIS.

INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION CRUCIAL TO COUNTER CROSS-BORDER MOVEMENT OF TERRORISM by Fardah

Jakarta, Aug 6, 2016 (Antara) - Whether ISIS networks have expanded to Southeast Asia could still be a question to many, but an answer might be found during an International Meeting on Counter-Terrorism in Nusa Dua, Bali on August 10, 2016.   
    As a keynote speaker in the forthcoming meeting, Indonesian Police Chief General Tito Karnavian is expected to talk about a possible regional connection of the terrorist group ISIS.

          "Groups supporting the ISIS already exist in Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia as proven by the bombings at Thamrin and Solo. Kidnappings by Abbu Sayyaf have also been very rampant. There is a possible connection among all of these," General Tito Karnavian said recently.   
   Every country in the world, not just in Southeast Asia, must rise to fight terrorism because the extraordinary crime poses a threat to international peace and security, as well as social and economic development, he believed.  
     Besides, the emergence of a new phenomenon of foreign terrorist fighters (FTFs) as well as the misuse of cyber technology in spreading the ideas of extremism and radicalism will also be topics of discussion during the international meeting.

         The meeting aims to strengthen the international cooperation network in addressing the growing threat of cross-border ramifications of terrorism, which includes actors, information and also finance flows.

STRENGTHENING DERADICALIZATION EFFORTS IN INDONESIA by Fardah

Jakarta, Aug 6, 2016 (Antara) - Vice President M Jusuf Kalla, concurrently chairman of the Indonesian Mosque Council (DMI), has expressed concern over radical thinking that could endanger the nation, and appealed to mosque managers to help fight radicalism and heresies.

         Since the country has the largest number of mosques, notably some 800 thousand, he believed that mosques could become "effective fortresses" to prevent radicalism from penetrating the nation.

           "That amounts to one mosque or a mushola (small mosque) for every 250 Muslims in Indonesia," Kalla said when speaking at an international seminar themed "The role of mosques in the face of deviant thought", organized by the Muslim World League (MWL), or "Rabithah A' A'lam Al Islami."
     It would not be easy to supervise or manage the mosques as around 95 percent of mosques in Indonesia have been built by the public, while in many Middle Eastern countries, Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, and Pakistan, mosques have been built by the government, he, however, realized.

           "Therefore, all of the imams (leaders of the prayers), and khatibs (preachers of the sermons) there are personnel of the government, unlike in Indonesia. In Malaysia, when a khatib begins his sermon, he will first pray for the Sultan, and the government. In Indonesia, they begin by criticizing the government," he added.

         In accordance with the instructions of President Joko Widodo (Jokowi), the Indonesian authorities have intensified efforts on deradicalization as part of its fight against terrorism.

          Commissioner General Suhardi Alius, after being installed by President Jokowi as chief of the National Counter-Terrorism Agency (BNPT) on July 20, 2016, vowed to strengthen deradicalization and anti-radicalization programs.

         The deradicalization program will target those familiar with or following the ideology, while the anti-radicalization program is meant for those who have not been influenced by radicalism.

END OF TERROR GROUP LEADER'S "ADVENTURE" IN POSO'S FORESTED MOUNTAIN by Fardah

Jakarta, July 22, 2016 (Antara) - Santoso, one of the most wanted terror leaders in Indonesia, was finally eliminated in a gunfire by legal enforcers on July 18, after he remained a fugitive-in-hiding for almost a decade in the remote forested mountainous area in Poso District, Central Sulawesi Province.   
    Personnel of the Tinombala military operation's task force were involved in a shootout with Santoso-led Eastern Indonesian Mujahidin members, and managed to kill two men, while three others, including two women, escaped, in Mt Tambarana area, Poso.

         Reports about how long the encounter ran varied from it at half an hour to one and a half hour.

         After a long evacuation and identification process, Chief of Tinombala Operation task unit, Senior Commissioner Leo Bona Lubis, confirmed the next day that the two men who were shot dead in Poso were indeed Santoso and one of his associates, Mukhtar.

         "Based on a simple identification of the bodies, I, as the operation's chief, can confirm that the shootout that occurred yesterday (July 18) between 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. ended in the killing of terrorist leader Santoso and Mukhtar, both of whom were on the fugitives' list," he said in Palu.

         "The three people who escaped are suspected to be Basri, his wife and Santoso's wife," he added.

         Only 19 members of the Santoso-led armed Eastern Indonesian Mujahidin group now remain outside the reach of law.

         They include Jumiatun Muslim alias Atun alias Bunga alias Umi Delima, the wife of Santoso, Tini Susanti Kaduku alias Umi Fadel (Ali Kalora's wife) and Nurmi Usman alias Oma (Basri's wife).

HOPES PINNED ON NEW CHIEF OF COUNTERTERRORISM AGENCY SUHARDI ALIUS by Fardah

Jakarta, July 20, 2016 (Antara) - Hopes are already riding on Commissioner General Suhardi Alius shortly after his inauguration as new chief of the National Counter-Terrorism Agency (BNPT) by President Joko Widodo (Jokowi).

        Alius, a graduate of the Police Academy's 1985 batch, succeeded Tito Karnavian, who was promoted to the post of National Police chief on July 13, 2016.    
   President Jokowi called Alius for a meeting after his inauguration at the State Palace on July 20, 2016.

        "According to the president's directives, terrorism is no longer merely a national but already a global threat. It means that we should implement systematic measures to strongly counter it. Of course, it should be within the framework of pluralism and nationalism," Alius said.
   Earlier, Police Chief General Karnavian had expressed belief in Alius' capability, as he had good managerial and leadership skills, among other qualities.

        "He has also established excellent relations with Islamic mass organizations, activists, civil society, TNI (Indonesian Defense Forces), the National Police, and other institutions. His interpersonal skills are amazing," Karnavian pointed out. 

INDONESIA TIGHTENS SECURITY MEASURES FOLLOWING BRUSSELS ATTACKS by Fardah

Jakarta, March 25, 2016 (Antara) - The recent terrorist attacks in Brussels, Belgium, have prompted the Indonesian government to tighten security measures across the country and to issue a travel advisory for Indonesians in or planning to visit Belgium.

      "We have told all (security personnel) to prevent (any possible terror act) and to increase alertness," Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Luhut Binsar Padjaitan stated a few hours after the Brussels attacks on March 22.

      The Indonesian government does not want such a terror attack to happen in the country, he emphasized.

         Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Retno L.P. Marsudi expressed her sympathy and offered condolences to the Belgian government, people, and families of the victims of the Brussels attacks.

       "We strongly condemn terror acts, and let us unite in fighting terrorism," she stated before officially opening the Sixth Bali Process Ministerial Conference on People Smuggling, Trafficking in Persons, and Related Transnational Crime in Bali, on March 23.

COUNTERTERRORISM ACTIONS MUST UPHOLD HUMAN RIGHTS by Fardah

Jakarta, March 22, 2016 (Antara) - The Indonesian government has been working to strengthen its Special Detachment (Densus) 88 counterterrorism squad by seeking a revision of a law on terrorism and increasing the allocation of funds for the unit.

         Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan said in February that he had informed the president and vice president of the need to improve the squad's facilities, personnel, and lodging.

          "We will again look at their remuneration as many of them have to stay away from their families since they are assigned duties out of town for several months. I think they deserve to be treated better," the minister emphasized.

         To this end, Pandjaitan said the government would propose the allocation of additional funds for Densus 88 to be included in the Amended State Budget (APBNP).

INDONESIAN SECURITY FORCES INTENSIFY MANHUNT FOR SANTOSO-LED GROUP by Fardah

 Jakarta, March 17, 2016 (Antara) - Shortly after Joko Widodo became Indonesia's seventh president in October 2014, Home Affairs Minister Tjahjo Kumolo echoed the government's commitment to crush a terror group of Eastern Indonesian Mujahidin led by Santoso hiding in Poso, Central Sulawesi.

          "President Widodo's instruction is to sweep clean, for which all the TNI forces have been deployed. How come (we have done) nothing against them for the last decade? Starting next month, we are going to the field and will crush (them)," Minister Kumolo had stated in Papua in late December 2014.

          From early 2015 until January 9, 2016, joint police and military forces had launched security operations dubbed Seagull Maleo I to IV involving thousands of personnel, as well as warships and jet fighters in Poso.   
  During the Seagull Maleo IV operation, the forces managed to arrest 17 alleged terrorists and killed seven others, but Santoso was not among them. 
   Following the conclusion of the Seagull Maleo operations, the authorities have launched another security operation termed Tinombala to continue their hunt for Santoso and his men in the jungles of Poso, Central Sulawesi Province, since January 10, 2016, for two months.

JOKOWI SAYS INDONESIA USES HARD AND SOFT POWER IN FIGHT AGAINST TERRORISM by Fardah

Jakarta, Feb 18, 2016 (Antara) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) shared Indonesia's experiences in dealing with terrorism at a special session on counterterrorism during the US-ASEAN Summit held in Sunnylands, California, the United States (US), on February 17.      The President emphasized the importance of moderation, peace, and tolerance during the session attended by President Barack Obama and leaders of the ASEAN member countries.     He outlined three points: promoting tolerance in the fight against terrorism and extremism, addressing the root cause of the problem, as well as creating conducive conditions.       "A combination of hard and soft power is needed to deal with extremism," the President, who was honored as the first speaker at the session, stated.