Indonesia Supports Philippines to Combat Terrorism

Jakarta, (Antara) - Indonesia has fully supported the efforts of the Philippines to combat the ISIS terrorist group in the country, Speaker of the House of Representatives Setya Novanto remarked.

"Terrorism is the common enemy of all nations in the world. The twin bomb attacks that damaged the Kampung Melayu Transjakarta bus terminal on Wednesday (May 24) is a form of savage action that is far from religious values," Novanto said in a written statement received here on Monday.

The statement was delivered to respond to the ISIS terrorist group that was allegedly increasing its presence in Southeast Asia, particularly in the southern Philippines.

The chairman remarked that acts of terror are not related to the principles and religious values that make peace and tolerance as the goals of living together in this world.

"Violence is not the solution to a problem. Violence never becomes an option for a religion. Terrorism has no religion," he emphasized.

Novanto pointed out that the Indonesian people could not be frightened by such acts of terror. The security apparatus of the Police, Indonesian Military, State Intelligence Agency, and National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT) have increased the level of alertness.

The Indonesian authorities have increased security measures across the country, particularly at public facilities to offer a sense of security.

"The BNPT is ready to protect the entire nation from the threat of terrorism," he said.

He praised the government's efforts to anticipate the entry of the ISIS group and other threats in the territory of Indonesia.

Five people comprising three police officers and two suspected suicide bombers were killed in the two bomb blasts on Wednesday evening at the Kampung Melayu bus station area in East Jakarta.

Meanwhile, 11 people comprising six police officers and five civilians were injured in the bomb attack.

The five civilians were drivers of public vehicles, two female university students, and an employee of a state enterprise.

The victims were rushed to the Premier Jatinegara Hospital, Said Sukanto Kramat Jati Police Hospital, Budi Asih Hospital, and Hermina Hospital that were located nearby.

The two bombs exploded respectively at 9 p.m. and 9:05 p.m. local time.

The dead and injured police officers were on duty to guard a group of people who were holding a torch parade welcoming the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan that night. The parade had not yet passed by when the blasts occurred.(*)