Pakistan Can Learn From Indonesia’s Zero-terrorist Attack Milestone: Expert
Published August 17, 2026 | 09:00 PM
ISLAMABAD, (APP – UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 17th Aug, 2026)
Pakistan can draw valuable lessons from Indonesia’s experience in countering violent extremism, particularly its whole-of-society approach that has helped the country maintain a sustained period without terrorist attacks, according to an Indonesian counter-extremism expert, Dr. Noor Huda Ismail.
Dr. Ismail, Visiting Fellow at RSIS Singapore and founder of the Institute for International Peace Building, Indonesia, made these remarks while delivering a distinguished lecture organized by the Consortium for Asia Pacific and Eurasian Studies (CAPES).
Key Points:
- Pakistan and Indonesia face similar challenges of extremism despite their distinct cultural contexts.
- Indonesia adopted a whole-of-society approach to countering extremism in four stages: counterterrorism, deradicalization, prevention, and community resilience.
- Radicalization is often relational before ideological, driven by needs for recognition, belonging, purpose, or incentives.
- The internet amplifies radicalization by accelerating recruitment and spreading extremist narratives.
Dr. Ismail’s Insights:
- Individuals join extremist groups due to unmet needs, not solely through the attraction of an ideology.
- Identity, networks, grievances, and opportunities play a crucial role in influencing extremist attitudes.
During the question-and-answer session, Dr. Ismail emphasized the importance of understanding these factors to develop effective counter-extremism strategies.
CAPES President Dr. Khuram Iqbal highlighted Indonesia’s success in achieving zero terrorist attacks annually since the Bali bombings in 2002 and called for learning from their model to combat violent extremism in Pakistan.
