Indonesia details terror fight before Independence Day

By Ainur Rohmah

TUBAN, Indonesia (AA) – President Joko Widodo has praised Indonesia’s “Unity in Diversity” motto as the best weapon against terrorism, as the country prepares to celebrate its 71st Independence Day.

In a state of the nation address televised nationwide, Widodo acknowledged Tuesday that political upheaval in the Middle East had an impact on regional instability and triggered the expansion of terrorism in the world, including in the Indonesian capital Jakarta.

He, however, assured that attempts to terrorize Indonesia would not succeed, referring to how police had quickly handled attacks in Jakarta in January -- which left four civilians and four Daesh-linked assailants dead -- and arrested dozens of suspects afterwards.

"But they [terrorists] failed. The Indonesian people cannot be terrorized," said Widodo in his state address at the parliament complex.

He added that the speed and efficiency of Indonesia’s counter-terrorism efforts had won the praise of the international community.

"Therefore, I invite the entire community to continue to strengthen the commitment to prevent and fight terrorism," he stressed.

"Let us reiterate that there is no place for terrorism in the archipelago which has Bineka Tunggal Ika," said the president, referring to the national motto meaning "Unity in Diversity".

He also expressed appreciation for security forces’ success in the recent killing of the country’s most wanted man.

Abu Wardah Santoso, the leader of Sulawesi island-based East Indonesia Mujahideen terrorist group who pledged allegiance to Daesh, was killed in a shootout last month in the jungles of troubled Poso town.

Tuesday's address also featured a general description of the government's achievements and programs.

Indonesia gained independence from the Netherlands on Aug. 17, 1945 and citizens marks the annual holiday with a variety of various festivals across the archipelago.

As part of the celebrations, the ministry of maritime affairs and fisheries plans to sink 71 foreign vessels accused of fishing violations in the country’s waters -- an illegal practice that reportedly costs Indonesia billions in losses each year.

As of last month, the ministry had sunk 176 ships under the campaign aimed at protecting the country's sovereignty over its territorial waters.