"The BNPT is present in Aceh to ensure that the PON XXI runs safely and smoothly and anticipate several issues arising amid (members of) the public by coordinating with the military and police," BNPT Deputy I Roedy Widodo noted in the agency's statement received here on Wednesday.
The official made the statement at a meeting with Aceh Acting Governor Safrizal Zakaria Ali in Banda Aceh City on Tuesday (September 10).
On the occasion, Widodo highlighted that based on President Joko Widodo's instruction, his office is committed to maintaining stability and security during the largest national sports event.
In addition to anticipating likely security threats, the BNPT is also present in the province to address issues related to radicalism that are of concern to the public, he remarked.
He then outlined the three main aspects of national preparedness, counter-radicalization, and deradicalization that the BNPT had focused on in order to avert terror acts.
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Speaking of the first aspect, Widodo noted that the agency had taken strategic steps, including implementing the Peace Ambassador Program, under which youths are inducted as the government's agents of change tasked with building public awareness of the dangers of radicalism.
Acting Governor Ali, for his part, commended the BNPT for maintaining security and stability in Indonesia's westernmost province.
He emphasized the need to continue to preserve the well-maintained peace in Aceh by keeping an eye out for individuals or groups that might pose threats to the holding of the 2024 PON.
The acting governor underlined the importance of the participation of all elements of society, especially youngsters and journalists, in spreading positive narratives expected to ensure the stability of Aceh during the sports event.
Ali then expressed hope that the meeting would bolster synergy between the BNPT and the Aceh provincial government to make the 21st PON a success.
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Translator: Putu Indah, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
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