Singapore, Indonesia discuss enhancing cooperation on counter-terrorism

Experts and representatives from government agencies as well as academics from Singapore and Indonesia came together to share best practices and enhance bilateral cooperation on counter terrorism, according to a press release by Singapore's Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Tuesday.

MHA, partnering the Indonesian Embassy in Singapore, held a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on Monday. Experts and representatives from government agencies including MHA, the Singapore Police Force and National Security Coordination Secretariat, as well as academics from Singapore and Indonesia attended this FGD.

During the FGD, various topics like the current and emerging threats of terrorism, and strategies to prevent and respond effectively to such threats were discussed. The FGD attendees concluded that transnational cooperation is critical in the fight against the terrorist threat. The strong and on-going bilateral cooperation between Singapore and Indonesia on counter terrorism measures is a good way for countries to narrow the space that terrorists could use to operate within the region.

Attendees from the FGD also discussed at length, best practices in terrorist rehabilitation. "While preventing radicalisation and terrorist attacks is important, rehabilitation of terrorists is equally critical," the ministry said. "For example, those convicted of terrorist-related offences should be separated from other prison inmates, so as to prevent contamination and radicalisation of inmates who were convicted of non-terrorism crimes."

FGD also said that rehabilitation programs need to be comprehensive and sustainable so that the social, psychological and spiritual well-being aspects of prisoners are also taken care of. The FGD attendees agreed that rehabilitation cannot be regarded as the end-stage. Rigorous post-release programs are also needed to ensure that rehabilitated terrorists who are ready for release back into mainstream society, do not end up re-joining their former terrorist networks.

In the meantime, participants from the discussion also stressed the important role community plays in rehabilitation programs.

"There needs to be enhanced capacity building of stakeholders in the work of countering violent extremism. Community partnerships and outreach efforts need to be enhanced so as to foster an environment that does not sanction the spread of violent ideology in society," according to MHA.

(APD)