Remarks by H.E. Dr. R.M. Marty M. Natalegawa Minister of Foreign Affairs RI at the Second Coordinating Committee Meeting of the Global Counter-Terrorism Forum (GCTF)
Istanbul, Turkey, 7 June 2012
His Royal Highness.
Excellencies, Co-Chairs of the Global Counter-Terrorism Forum Coordinating Committee, Minister Ahmet Davutoǧlu of the Republic of Turkey, and Secretary Hillary Clinton of the United States of America,
Excellencies, Ministers and Heads of Delegation of GCTF Members,
Distinguished Delegates,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I wish to start by thanking our Co-chairs, Minister Davutoǧlu and Secretary Clinton, for convening this important meeting.
Indonesia welcomes this meeting as a timely opportunity to assess what has been achieved since the GCTF was established in New York last September, and to reflect on how we can make further progress in our common effort to overcome terrorism.
Excellencies,
Distinguished Delegates,
When we established the GCTF last September, we envisioned an action-oriented, informal and civilian-led forum that would work in close collaboration with the UN, build civilian capacity and establish a network of practitioners battling the challenges of terrorism.
Indonesia is heartened to note that since then, the Forum has managed to make considerable progress.
Follow up activities have taken place within the agreed time frame and within each Working Group, resulting in a number of concrete and practical outcomes.
On our part, Australia and Indonesia, as Co-chairs of the Southeast Asia Capacity-building Working Group, organized the inaugural meeting of the Working Group at the Jakarta Center for Law Enforcement Cooperation (JCLEC) in Semarang, Indonesia on 6-7 March 2012.
I am pleased to inform you that the Working Group agreed on a work plan, which we submit to the Forum as a concrete result aimed at strengthening cooperation in capacity building to counter terrorism in Southeast Asia.
In line with the objectives of the GCTF, the work plan has identified four priority areas. These are prisons management; de-radicalization; legal and judicial cooperation, and issues related to the work of the GCTF thematic Working Groups, namely countering violent extremism, and criminal justice and rule of law.
Specifically, the Working Group will strive to enhance capacity building, cooperation, and information sharing in those priority areas, as well as mapping out regional counter-terrorism activities in a way that will generate synergy.
Excellencies,
Distinguished Delegates,
While we have made significant progress, we must not and cannot be complacent. Much more needs to be done.
The challenge we are confronting remains global and constantly evolving. Terrorist cells are on the one hand autonomous, yet on the other also interconnected and transcend boundaries.
We must wage an all our effort to eradicate condition conducive to terrorism.
In this regard, allow me, therefore, to identify some pertinent points that I believe will be relevant to our future work.
First, counter-terrorism efforts at the global level should be supported with measures at the regional and national levels.
The fight against terrorism demands that all of us work hand in hand. It demands full dedication from all stakeholders. And a holistic and comprehensive approach.
Any future undertakings of the GCTF must complement and build upon existing multilateral, regional, sub-regional cooperation, as well as efforts at the national level.
For its part, as a member of the GCTF and as a country fully committed to the global fight against terrorism, Indonesia has seen to it that its national efforts are conducted in synergy with regional and international cooperation.
Working closely with other countries, the United Nations and other international and regional organizations, Indonesia has strongly supported capacity building in the Asia Pacific region.
We also offer possible cooperation between the Jakarta Center for Law Enforcement Cooperation (JCLEC) and GCTF members in providing training and other capacity building programs.
Since its establishment in 2004, the JCLEC has trained more than 11,000 law enforcement and counterterrorism officials from more than 52 countries. And we stand ready to extend any possible cooperation within the framework of the GCTF.
Second, I wish to reiterate Indonesia’s longstanding view that if we are to eventually eradicate terrorism, we must address its root causes.
Our response must be holistic rather than reactive and sporadic.
It must take into account a wide range of factors – from law enforcement to legislative frameworks, from socio-economic policy to advancement of democratic values.
In this regard, let us keep in mind that the GCTF Political Declaration mandates that we eradicate the conditions that breed and spread terrorism.
Thus the GCTF must view the challenge from a broader perspective, and develop programs based on the UN Global Counter Terrorism Strategy.
Third, as we endeavour to apply the rule of law, we must also unleash the full force of soft power. This imbued smart power.
A key issue here is the empowerment of moderates and the advancement of democratic values.
The GCTF must see to it that its initiatives encourage the moderates to speak up and make their voices heard.
Hence, the role of the mass media is crucial.
They have the power to rally the masses. To inform and enlighten them. To impart wisdom to public opinion. And to mediate public dialogue that leads to mutual respect, cooperation and peace.
We therefore encourage the GCTF and all its Working Groups to engage the media in the course of their work.
Fourth, our response to terrorism at all levels must be consistent with the rule of law and a deep and abiding respect for human rights.
They must be in accordance with international law, including the Charter of the United Nations.
For ultimately, what we want to achieve is not just the defeat of terrorism but the birth of a world of greater peace, social justice and shared prosperity.
Excellencies,
Distinguished Delegates,
The battle against terrorism is a test of our perseverance.
It demands a long-term strategy. A comprehensive approach. And it requires all of us to work hand in hand.
Indeed, it is a battle to the finish that Indonesia will wage together with all peace-loving nations as long as the threat is there.
I thank you.