Indonesia beefs up measure to counter radicalism

The Indonesian government strengthens efforts to stop and counter the spread of radicalism in the country which has been targeted by the global militants, a senior official disclosed here on Monday.

A meeting at the security chief ministry decided to expand participation in the country's counter-terrorism effort and formulate an effective way to stop the penetration of the danger.

"We will establish a task force comprising senior officials from ministries, so that an effective step to fight the danger can be formulated," Suhardi Alius, head of the country's counter-terrorism agency said after the meeting.

The efforts would also focus on de-radicalism across the country, which has been hit by a series of major suicide bombings since 2000, he said.

The official cited that the use of technology information is among the priorities to block the spread of the danger as the facility has been intensively used by militants for communication, spreading radicalism, and coordination on the launch of terrorist strikes.

Earlier this month, Indonesian police foiled a plot to lunch rocket strikes to Singapore's Marina Bay from Indonesia's Batam Island. Such plan was found out in the militants' on-line communication, police has disclosed.

Indonesian youngsters have been among the main targets of radicalism in the country, police has said. Poverty has also often factored to the penetration.

Last week, Indonesian President Joko Widodo stressed commitment to strongly fight against militants, saying there is no place for them to grow in the country.

President Widodo called on the people to be alert on the danger of militants' plots despite their high profile leader, Santoso, was shot dead by Indonesian armed forces recently.

Santoso had been one of the IS coordinator of strikes in Indonesia. Endit