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JAKARTA: The Indonesian government is formulating a road map to combat radicalism in the country.
The newly formed Anti-Terror Agency is tasked to formulate programs that will see more community participation.
Terrorism experts - both local and international - are also searching for ideas to counter the spread of radicalism in Indonesia.
While there have been countless conferences and seminars on terrorism in Indonesia, so far no concrete answers have been found to counter the radical ideas that fuel terrorism in the world's most populated Muslim nation.
The Indonesian government hopes this gathering of terrorism experts will help formulate more effective strategies.
Authorities are also looking to get the community more involved in the fight against terrorism.
Djoko Suyanto, Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs, says: "Terrorism cannot only be fought through the laws. There are other useful preventive measures that are more important, which involves every aspect of life and all components of the community."
The Indonesian government believes its majority Muslim population has rejected radical teachings and terrorism, and that its people are willing to work hand-in-hand with authorities.
Mr Suyanto continues: "Thankfully we have mutual awareness. It has been developed, and we will not provide instant acknowledgment to every provocative action, aggression and other actions."
In 2010 alone, Indonesian police have killed 13 terrorists and arrested 58 others - an impressive achievement by any measure.
But critics point out that Jakarta has hesitated to take firm action against clerics, who propagate radical teachings.
It's resulted in hardline groups recruiting new members, and convicted terrorists returning to their old ways.
This time the Indonesian government hoped to formulate a road map on combating radicalism on its shores soon. And it is trying to get support from various Muslim groups and social organisations to work in tandem with enforcement agencies.
It is a holistic approach which they hoped would bring better results. - CNA/jm
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