Jakarta will lead in South-east Asian counterterrorism
Keyword(s):
Subject South-east Asian governments' fight against terrorism. Significance Militant attacks at the end of last month targeted a church and mosque in the southern Philippines. Last year, Indonesia and Malaysia engaged in extensive crackdowns on Islamist militant groups operating in South-east Asia. Indonesia will be on high alert ahead of April’s presidential and legislative elections. Impacts The formal creation of the Bangsamoro region in the Philippines will prompt further pushback by militants. Malaysia is unlikely to alter significantly its counterterrorism operations. Indonesia’s newly revised anti-terrorism legislation will increase the armed forces’ role in domestic security.