The Minister of National Development Planning/Head of Bappenas, Rachmat Pambudy, emphasized that security stability is a crucial prerequisite for achieving inclusive economic growth and societal welfare. In a meeting with the National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT) on Monday, December 9, 2024, he stated that combating terrorism must be a national development priority. The intensified collaboration between Bappenas and BNPT over the next five years is expected to strengthen synergies in addressing the threat of terrorism. Rachmat praised the role of BNPT as the frontline in Indonesia's counterterrorism efforts and reiterated that this partnership is a commitment to ensuring national security stability, which is essential for welfare and economic growth.
During the same meeting, Bappenas also expressed support for the establishment of the National Center for Counterterrorism Preparedness, which is set to begin in 2025. The center is expected to enhance public preparedness and resilience against terrorism threats. The Minister of National Development Planning stressed the importance of synergy between ministries, agencies, society, and international partners in creating a safer, more peaceful, and prosperous Indonesia. BNPT Head, Police Commissioner General Eddy Hartono, highlighted the urgency of cross-sector coordination and international cooperation in addressing global threats, including the issue of Foreign Terrorist Fighters involving Indonesian citizens abroad. Additionally, he pointed out that counter-radicalization strategies, such as counter-narratives, counter-propaganda, and counter-ideology, would be key in combating the spread of radical ideologies, with a comprehensive deradicalization approach for prisoners, ex-convicts, and individuals or groups vulnerable to radicalization.
