Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia’s National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT) has launched cooperation with China’s Macau Judiciary Police (MJP) to strengthen capacity in protecting citizens from terrorism threats, officials said.

The partnership was marked by an inaugural meeting in Bogor, West Java, on Wednesday (April 1), BNPT Director of Bilateral Cooperation Brig. Gen. Dhani Hernando said in a statement released on Saturday.

“This first meeting lays a strategic foundation to build trust, deepen institutional understanding and develop sustainable coordination between our agencies,” he said.

Hernando said the talks also aimed to exchange best practices in public security and counterterrorism, with a focus on safeguarding around 8,000 Indonesians living and working in Macau.

MJP Deputy Director Lai Man Vai, who led the Macau delegation, thanked Indonesia for hosting the meeting.

He said that despite differences in culture and demographics, both sides share a common goal of ensuring public safety.

He expressed hope the engagement would pave the way for closer cooperation in maintaining security.

The discussions also covered broader collaboration in preventing radicalization and violent extremism.

Both sides explored opportunities for capacity-building and training programs to enhance institutional capabilities.

Officials said such cooperation could strengthen early detection and prevention of potential threats.

BNPT also used the meeting to highlight Indonesia’s experience in counterterrorism operations and policy development.

The agency emphasized the importance of balancing enforcement measures with preventive approaches.

As part of the visit, BNPT took the Macau delegation to a correctional facility in Sentul.
The visit allowed the delegation to observe Indonesia’s deradicalization programs firsthand.

BNPT said the program reflects its commitment to rehabilitating individuals involved in extremism.

The approach aims to prepare former offenders for reintegration into society.

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