Indonesia has launched an interdepartmental National Anti-terrorism Agency (BNPT), which wields greater authority than the National Police's Special Counterterrorism Detachment 88 (D-88).
Retired Inspector-General Ansyaad Mbai, who was appointed as head of the agency, said that the BNPT needs to work closer with other institutions such as the military, the Ministry of Religious Affairs, academics and other related parties to prevent and stamp out terrorism.
Under the new agency, the police will maintain a leading role in anti-terrorism activities, said Mbai.
One of the agency's priorities will be to increase its surveillance operations nationwide as there are scores of terror suspects on the loose, he said.
The agency will monitor suspected militant training grounds in Solo, Banten and Medan, he added./.
Retired Inspector-General Ansyaad Mbai, who was appointed as head of the agency, said that the BNPT needs to work closer with other institutions such as the military, the Ministry of Religious Affairs, academics and other related parties to prevent and stamp out terrorism.
Under the new agency, the police will maintain a leading role in anti-terrorism activities, said Mbai.
One of the agency's priorities will be to increase its surveillance operations nationwide as there are scores of terror suspects on the loose, he said.
The agency will monitor suspected militant training grounds in Solo, Banten and Medan, he added./.
