"We are all aware that terrorism has become a global threat, and therefore there is no other way to overcome it besides global cooperation," Sutiyoso said.Kuala Lumpur (ANTARA News) - Indonesian State Intelligence Agency (BIN) Chief Sutiyoso has said global cooperation was the key to overcome the issues of terrorism.
"We are all aware that terrorism has become a global threat, and therefore there is no other way to overcome it besides global cooperation," Sutiyoso said in Kuala Lumpur Friday night.
The cooperation to combat terrorism is not only between ASEAN countries but globally, he noted.
Furthermore, before the Paris attack, he had been to China, Australia, the Middle East, the United States, and the Singapore-based ASEAN Intelligence Community (AIC), the BIN chief added.
"All have spoken about terrorism, and that means that all are aware that terrorism is a global threat," Sutiyoso said, and added that all parties in Indonesia, including the security personnel and public communities should increase vigilance against terrorism.
"Terrorism is our common problem. All individuals must be the eyes and ears of BIN. I ask them to give information to BIN on things that may seem odd, strange, and suspicious, as an indication of terror in order for it to be prevented early," he noted.
In the face of terror, the public should not panic but be vigilant and cooperative with the authorities, Sutiyoso affirmed.
Islam in Indonesia has been moderate and tolerant since hundreds of years, he remarked.
"However, of late, since the economy began to improve, a number of youths who studied in the Middle East have got acquainted with Islamic hardliners," he said.
Therefore, the State Intelligence Agency chief called on Islamic scholars to enhance their role in the fight against terrorism in the country.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
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