Dutch FM Koenders condemns attacks in Jakarta

Dutch Foreign Minister Bert Koenders has strongly condemned the attacks in Jakarta on Thursday, in which at least one Dutch citizen was seriously injured.

Seven people, including two suicide bombers, were killed and several others were injured in the suicide blasts in Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, on Thursday morning.

"Once again, terror reared its ugly head," Koenders said in a statement. "And once again innocent civilians are the victims. My condolences go out to the victims and their families."

Koenders also formally expressed his condolences to his Indonesian counterpart Retno Marsudi and offered assistance in the event Indonesia needs it.

Immediately after the attacks, the Dutch embassy in Jakarta warned Dutch people in the area to stay indoors. "People were informed by SMS to follow the safety instructions of the local authorities and to keep in touch with the embassy," Koenders said.

The embassy is also in close contact with the local authorities to find out if there are more Dutch nationals among the casualties.

Indonesia, a former Dutch colony, is a popular holiday destination for Dutch people.

The minister said the attacks show that terrorism can hit anyone around the world. "Whether you're in the heart of Paris, at the office in New York, or on holidays in Jakarta," Koenders added. "That is exactly the fear that terrorists want to plant in our hearts."

Last Monday in The Hague, Koenders convened a meeting of delegates of the Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF) and the anti-ISIS coalition to step up measures against terrorism. During the meeting, all parties stressed the importance of close cooperation in the fight against terrorism.

"We must close the ranks, act together, and work hard internationally," the Dutch foreign minister said. "We need to be as resolute as the terrorists." Endit