Jakarta (ANTARA) - National Counter-Terrorism Agency (BNPT) Head Mohammed Rycko Amelza Dahniel outlined six crucial issues that need special attention during the year-end period, including the upcoming holidays and preparation for the 2024 General Elections.

"There are six crucial issues, including one related to the Christmas and New Year celebrations and the need to ensure that the presidential election, scheduled for February 2024, will run smoothly and free from terror attacks," he remarked.

Dahniel made the statement at the 7th National Coordination Meeting of the Terrorism Prevention Coordination Forum (FKPT) in Jakarta on Tuesday evening, in which BNPT's strategic partners from across Indonesia participated.

The third issue is important to be addressed to prevent people from being misled and provoked by information related to the raging conflict in Palestine's Gaza Strip, he said.

As for the fourth issue, Dahniel reminded the people to be aware of the fact that terrorist groups have shifted their approach from a hard one to a soft one.

"We must remain vigilant because a steady decline in the number of attacks is related to terrorists changing their attacking patterns," he pointed out.

He then drew attention to the fifth issue, which pertains to the intensified efforts of terrorist groups to instill radical beliefs in those belonging to vulnerable groups, including women, children, and teenagers.

"Meanwhile, the final crucial issue concerns the need to build the people's resilience by boosting their care and participation (in tackling terrorism issues)," he remarked, adding that resilient people are able to mentally and emotionally overcome crises.

Dahniel said that intolerance is the root of radicalism and terrorism.

"Terrorist groups are invading people not only physically, as they also aim at disrupting the people's beliefs. Such groups tend to believe that they are righteous by rejecting differences. In short, intolerance can lead to radicalism and terrorism," he elaborated.

Hence, he invited all parties to invest even greater efforts to combat radicalism and terrorism while noting that the BNPT and National Police (Polri) need assistance in thwarting terrorists more effectively.

"Our strategy to combat terrorists is to strengthen collaboration with all relevant parties while maintaining the nation's unity and integrity since we are aware that the terrorists' goal is to maim us by triggering discord," he affirmed.

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Translator: Iskandar Z, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Anton Santoso
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