inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. The National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT) prioritizes protecting children from terrorism. BNPT Chief Eddy Hartono said that children recruited or exploited by terrorist groups are victims who require special attention and protection because they are at risk of being rejected and ostracized by society.

"We need to recognize that children recruited or exploited by terrorism are victims," ​​said the BNPT Chief on Wednesday (10/23/2024).

The BNPT Chief said that the commitment to cooperate with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in protecting children affiliated with terrorist groups is a top priority in facing this serious challenge.

This step is also in line with the Astacita work program of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. The Indonesian government has implemented a comprehensive approach in dealing with violent extremism targeting children through Presidential Regulation (Perpres) Number 7 of 2021 concerning the National Action Plan for the Prevention and Handling of Extremism Leading to Terrorism (RAN PE) 2020-2024.

The comprehensive approach is clearly stated in Focus 1 Pillar 6 of RAN PE. Although the Perpres will soon expire, the government is determined to extend it as a form of seriousness in dealing with the issue of extremism leading to terrorism. He said that BNPT has initiated the Perpres RAN PE since 2021.

"This year the Perpres has expired and we will extend it," said Eddy.

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