Indonesia and New Zealand Bolster Counterterrorism Cooperation

Wellington, The Gulf Observer: National Counter-Terrorism Agency of Indonesia (BNPT) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of New Zealand have reinforced their commitment to counterterrorism through the second meeting of the Joint Working Group on Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism.

Head of BNPT, Mohammed Rycko Amelza Dahniel, emphasized the shared concern of both nations regarding the rise of online radicalism targeting the younger generation. In a statement received on Thursday, Dahniel noted the mutual understanding reached during the meeting in Wellington on May 28, highlighting the crucial role of community resilience in combating terrorism. Both Indonesia and New Zealand are dedicated to continuing collaborative efforts at regional and multilateral levels.

“The second meeting of the Joint Working Group demonstrates our commitment to strengthening efforts to counter terrorism and violent extremism,” remarked Dahniel.

Discussions during the meeting covered the evolving threat of terrorism and security-based extremism domestically, as well as the priorities for addressing these challenges. The agenda also included enhancing bilateral cooperation between Indonesia and New Zealand in countering terrorism, with a focus on regional and multilateral priorities.

New Zealand’s Ambassador for Counterterrorism, Paula Wilson, praised Indonesia’s successful counterterrorism initiatives and acknowledged Indonesia as a vital partner in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism.

Previously, in December 2023, the governments of Indonesia and New Zealand agreed to extend their agreement on countering terrorism and violent extremism. The meeting on Tuesday serves as a mechanism to implement this agreement, facilitating the exchange of information, experiences, and best practices between the two nations.

This strengthened partnership underscores the commitment of both Indonesia and New Zealand to address the global threat of terrorism and violent extremism through continued collaboration and shared strategies.