Southeast Asia should be vigilant over terrorism

Jakarta (VNA) – Terrorism has become a regional issue, which requires members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to tighten coordination to prevent terrorist attacks.

Arisman, Executive Director of Centre for Southeast Asian Studies, made the remark in a recent interview granted to Vietnam News Agency correspondents in Indonesia.

The cooperation is not only the collaboration among anti-terrorism agencies such as sharing information and experience and coordination of actions, but it should be comprehensive in order to ensure people in the region live in a peaceful and stable environment. 

The developments in the southern Philippine city of Marawi could be consider a warning for the regional stability, he said, adding that it could be followed by similar incidents in Indonesia, Malaysia and other regional countries.

Arisman was of the view that terrorism dangers are the same in regional countries, especially in Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines, since terrorist elements have built a widespread network in the region with relations with the Al-Qaeda terrorist group and the self-claimed Islamic State (IS).

The “tentacle” of the IS has reached Southeast Asia and is taking root in the region, he commented.

He particularly expressed his concern over the dangerous rise of extremism in Indonesia, which has the world’s largest Islamic population.

Indonesia has established an anti-terrorism agency and counter-terror Densus 88 to quest for terrorist elements, he said.

Fighting terrorism is the responsibility of not only the government and specialised forces but also the community, society and every citizen, he added.-VNA