Strengthening Indonesia's national strategies to combat chemical terrorism: policy recommendations and CBRN planning and response toolkit

A two-day event titled "Enhancing National Strategies to Prevent and Respond to Chemical Terrorism in Indonesia: Policy Recommendations and CBRN Planning and Response Toolkit" was held in Jakarta on 15-16 October 2024. Organized by the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI) in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and Indonesia's Badan Nasional Penanggulangan Terorisme (BNPT), the event brought together over 50 representatives from government agencies, law enforcement, civil society, and the industrial sector. These key stakeholders play vital roles in preventing, detecting, and responding to chemical terrorism.

The event highlighted the outcomes of two interconnected projects, both funded by the United States (U.S.) Department of State.

The first day focused on presenting the "Policy Recommendations to Inform the Development of National Strategies to Prevent and Respond to Chemical Terrorism in Indonesia." This document was developed as part of the "Building a Safer South-East Asia by Preventing and Responding to the Use of Chemical Weapons by Terrorists and Other Non-State Actors in Indonesia" project, which was launched in November 2022 to enhance Indonesia's capacity to address the threat of chemical weapons used for terrorist purposes. The project is implemented by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and UNICRI, in partnership with BNPT and international organizations such as the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), the United Nations Office on Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), and the United Nations Security Council's 1540 Committee (UNSCR 1540 Committee).

The policy recommendations were the result of extensive consultations and analyses conducted during three key meetings held in Jakarta (November 2023), Yogyakarta (March 2024), and Bandung (June 2024) with a working group of key Indonesian stakeholders.

Preliminary results from the project evaluation were also shared, providing insights into the progress and impact of the project activities.

The second day centered on the outcomes of the second initiative, the "Toolkit on Effective CBRN Planning and Response for Policymakers and CBRN Managers," developed by UNICRI. This comprehensive resource guides policymakers and CBRN managers in planning and executing effective responses to chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) incidents.

The Toolkit offers practical tools designed to enhance strategic planning and coordination during CBRN emergencies. The day included a Table-Top Exercise on "Effective Responses to a Chemical Event," allowing participants to engage in a simulated response to a chemical terrorism incident. This interactive exercise showcased the practical application of the Toolkit and underscored the importance of preparedness, collaboration, and swift action during real-world emergencies.

Overall, the event underscored Indonesia's commitment to enhancing its national strategies for combating chemical terrorism, integrating both policy frameworks and practical tools to boost its preparedness and response capabilities.