The United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI) and the Indonesian National Counter-Terrorism Agency (BNPT) have joined forces to address the pressing issue of chemical terrorism in Indonesia. A second consultation meeting for the development of a policy paper to prevent and respond to chemical terrorism in Indonesia took place on March 20-21, 2024, in Yogyakarta.
This pivotal event is a key component of the broader initiative, "Building a Safer South-East Asia by Preventing and Responding to the Use of Chemical Weapons by Terrorists and Other Non-state Actors in Indonesia," which is generously funded by the U.S. Department of State. The initiative is jointly implemented by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and UNICRI, with unwavering support from BNPT.
The second consultation meeting convened a dedicated Working Group comprising 25 representatives from government agencies and other crucial stakeholders involved in preventing and responding to the acquisition, production, and utilization of chemical weapons for terrorist purposes within Indonesia.
On the first day of the meeting, participants engaged in comprehensive discussions aimed at providing an overview of the current landscape, identifying challenges, and pinpointing priority areas for interventions to strengthen the national ability to prevent and respond to potential chemical attacks. Key topics addressed included the detection and early identification of chemical terrorism threats, border control and customs measures, as well as preparedness and response strategies for chemical terrorism incidents.
On the subsequent day, the Working Group divided into specialized teams tasked with drafting the content of the policy paper. These teams focused on crafting specific recommendations, outlining key actions, and identifying the essential stakeholders to be involved.
The collaborative efforts showcased at the second consultation meeting underscore the commitment of UNODC, UNICRI, BNPT, and all government agencies and other stakeholders involved, to enhance Indonesia's resilience against chemical terrorism.
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