Ambassadors Roundtable Series- Indonesia Event Summary

As part of the Ambassador Roundtable Series on International Collaboration to Combat Terrorism and Insurgencies, The Homeland Security Policy Institute and the International Center for Terrorism Studies co-hosted Indonesian Ambassador Sudjadnan Parnohadiningrat on October 16, 2007. 

Ambassador Parnohadiningrat detailed the nature of the terrorist threat in Indonesia. Investigations by law enforcement agencies in the country have discovered cooperation among different terrorist groups. In view of this, the Indonesian government has undertaken legislative and investigative actions. In doing so, the Ambassador emphasized that the country strives to preserve the civil liberties of its citizens. At the regional level, Indonesia continues to cooperate with other countries of Southeast Asia to strengthen legal frameworks for combating terrorism. On a global level, the Indonesian government has cooperated with the United Nations, noting its pivotal role in global efforts to combat international terrorism. During the Question and Answer period, the Ambassador stressed the need to win hearts and minds. Frank Cilluffo, Director of the Homeland Security Policy Institute, in turn raised the need to come up with an effective way to decouple ideology and religion. Also discussed was the Indonesian government’s rehabilitation program, intended to re-integrate former terrorists into the mainstream.

The Ambassador Roundtable Series is designed to provide Ambassadors to the United States and their key diplomatic staff with a forum to discuss current and future counterterrorism and counterinsurgency efforts on a regional or country-specific basis. In an effort to draw upon various insights and experiences, the Ambassadors Roundtable Series builds upon and institutionalizes efforts over the past two years to engage in a dialogue with members of the international community, policy makers, and practitioners.

For further inquries, please email hspi1@gwumc.edu with the subject Ambassadors Roundtable Series Inquiries