MANILA, KOMPAS – Moved by their concern over the Marawi crisis, the Philippine, Indonesian and Malaysian governments have agreed to strengthen cooperation to fight the threat of terrorism and radicalism in the region. This commitment was contained in a joint statement read out by Philippine Foreign Minister Alan Peter Cayetano on Thursday (22/6) in Philippines. He was accompanied by Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi and Malaysian Foreign Minister Sri Anifah Aman.
Kompas reporter Josie Susilo Hardianto reported from Manila that the three countries have vowed to effectively fight terrorism in the region. Therefore, they have agreed to strengthen their counterterrorism cooperation in various ways, including by protecting children and youths from radical ideologies. The agreement also focuses on other things, such as studying the root causes of terrorism, poverty, drug-trafficking and injustice. The countries have also agreed on an exchange of information and intelligence.
Other than the three foreign ministers, the meeting was attended by Indonesian Military commander Gen. Gatot Nurmantyo, National Police chief Gen. Tito Karnavian and Philippine Armed Forces chief of staff Gen. Eduardo Ano.
After the meeting, Retno said that the agreement would take the form of an action plan that would soon be discussed by high-ranking officials of the three countries. “The first meeting will be next month at the soonest in Jakarta,” he said.
Tito also held a separate meeting with Philippine Police chief Gen. Ronald Delarosa. Tito said that the two countries agreed to strengthen their cooperation in dealing with terrorism and other cross-border crimes, such as the smuggling of humans, weapons and drugs.
Common threat
According to Retno, the crisis in Marawi is not only a domestic Philippines problem. The threat of terrorism is a cross-border threat and so the region needs to find a joint solution. The strong indication of the involvement of foreign combatants in Marawi, including some from Indonesia and Malaysia, confirms this threat.
Retno said that Indonesia’s initiative to hold this meeting shows the country’s support for its close neighbors. Based on the first meeting in Yogyakarta in May 2016, the three countries have made a positive move. “The launch of a marine patrol last Monday in Tarakan is a concrete step,” she said.
In the opening of the meeting, Anifah Aman said she agreed with the cooperation. She stressed the importance of a formal mechanism to bridge the exchange with experience, information and intelligence. Cayetano, meanwhile, mentioned the importance of reemphasizing the roots of a harmonious religious life, which is love, to overcome hatred, violence and fear. He said he appreciated the support given by Indonesia and Malaysia for peace in Mindanao.
Regarding the joint patrol, Indonesian Navy chief of staff Adm. Ade Supandi said in Jakarta that there was no problem with this cooperation. “This is a coordinated patrol, each still in its respective area. All will use standard protocol. All that needs to be done is to set a common frequency,” he said.
Ready to enter
Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu said that Indonesian troops are ready to enter the Philippines to help fight against terrorist movements. There have been signals from the Philippines about this matter. “If President Joko Widodo allows it, the Philippine president would also allow it. However, the realization will not be easy. There must be permission from the congress,” he said.
As of yesterday, it had yet to be decided when the plan would be realized. In principle, the Indonesian troops cannot enter the country without the permission of the local parliament.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Daily Inquirer newspaper cited Philippine Armed Forces (AFP) chief of staff Eduardo Ano who said that Omarkhayam Maute, one of the founders of the Maute militia, which the AFP is fighting in Marawi, is believed to have died.
The Maute militia, together with the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), is a splinter group that does not agree with the Philippine government’s agreement with two other separatist groups in the southern Philippines. A Bhayangkara University postgraduate deputy director, Suhardi, said that there has been an alliance formed by BIFF, Maute and the Abu Sayyaf group to establish a “religious country” in Mindanao.