Terrorism emerges as major concern in Asean transnational crime meeting

JAKARTA - Terrorism issue has emerged as a significant concern during the 17th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crime in Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara.

Indonesia, the host country, emphasised the importance of bolstering regional cooperation to address this threat that has the potential to disrupt the region’s stability.

"A terrorist group in one country poses a threat to the entire region,” said Indonesia’s elite anti-terrorism police unit’s spokesperson Aswin Siregar in a statement.

He said the cooperation encompasses addressing terrorism financing, countering the dissemination of extremist ideology through social media, and initiatives to enhance prevention and response capabilities.

Meanwhile, the Labuan Bajo Declaration, an outcome of the meeting that concluded today, serves as a foundation to enhance cooperation in countering transnational crimes.

This includes joint investigations, mutual legal assistance, as well as early warning and response concerning extremist activities, Indonesia’s Police chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo noted.

Other elements include sharing information, seeking evidence, personnel exchange, protecting witnesses and victims, and addressing arms smuggling. - BERNAMA