Mahfud noted that by bowing the head and leading a moment of silence, prayers were also offered to those who had died and to show empathy and respect to those still alive, so that they could rise again.
"Let us bow our heads. The silent action begins," Mahfud stated while leading the moment of silence at 10:00 local time held by the Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK) online based on the theme "Awakening Care, Sowing Peace" on Saturday.
After a two-minute silence was observed, Mahfud remarked that the commemoration was also aimed at offering support to all survivors of terrorism, ensuring the fulfillment of rights of survivors, and promoting and protecting human rights.
The minister noted that stories about the impact of terrorism always stirred sad feelings since lives were lost, and several survivors suffered injuries and wounds that could not be healed.
The victims experienced severe trauma, many women lost their husbands, husbands lost their wives, and many children lost their hopes and dreams, Mahfud stated.
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Mahfud drew attention to Law (UU) Number 5 of 2018 on Eradication of Criminal Acts of Terrorism that mandates the state, through the government, to be responsible for the protection of victims of terrorism.
The minister echoed the readiness of the Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal and Security Affairs to encourage relevant ministries and institutions to synergize with the National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT) and LPSK to tackle terrorism for fulfilling the rights of victims of terrorism, who are directly and indirectly affected.
"Strengthening coordination and synergy is necessary to continue to build the capacity of ministries or institutions related to counterterrorism and the fulfillment of victims' rights," Mahfud remarked.
Mahfud believes this commemoration demonstrated shared commitment as an independent and sovereign nation to oppose and combat any acts of terrorism or violence with any motive and continue to fight for safe and peaceful conditions for all Indonesians.
The commemoration was attended by Head of LPSK Hasto Atmojo Suroyo, Head of BNPT Boy Rafli Amar, Representative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) for Indonesia Collie Brown, Governor of East Java Khofifah Indar Parawansa, terrorism survivors, and deradicalization partners from across Indonesia.
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Translator: M Jasuma, Azis Kurmala
Editor: Suharto
Copyright © ANTARA 2021
