The United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI) and the Indonesian National Counter-Terrorism Agency (BNPT) joined forces to host the "First Consultation Meeting for the Development of a Policy Paper to Prevent and Respond to Chemical Terrorism in Indonesia." This pivotal event is an integral part of the overarching project, "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," officially launched in November 2022 in Jakarta. The project, funded by the U.S. Department of State, is jointly implemented by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and UNICRI, with the steadfast support of BNPT.
Aligned with the project's vision, the First Consultation Meeting marked the commencement of a series of three gatherings aimed at shaping a comprehensive policy paper. Recognizing the importance of addressing chemical terrorism, UNICRI, in collaboration with BNPT, takes the lead in crafting a policy document that will provide recommendations for policymakers, security agencies, and first responders. This initiative serves as a critical resource to fortify the safety and security landscape of Indonesia.
The meeting led to the establishment of a dynamic Working Group, bringing together experts from diverse sectors including government agencies, law enforcement, emergency response, healthcare, and other key stakeholders. Participants engaged in defining the scope and objectives of the policy paper, laying the foundation for a robust and inclusive framework.
At the heart of the discussions were the crafting of key policy components, addressing critical aspects such as legal and regulatory frameworks for preventing chemical terrorism, comprehensive risk and threat assessment, security measures and strategies for protecting, transporting, storing and handling hazardous chemicals and ensuring the security of critical infrastructure.
The discourse unfolded through plenary sessions and collaborative working groups, fostering a multidimensional approach.
This strategic roadmap holds the promise of potential integration into other national strategies, underscoring a collective commitment to tangible and effective measures against the threat of chemical terrorism in Indonesia.
