Nusa Dua, Bali (ANTARA News) - A counter-terrorism agency official said here on Friday there had been no indications so far of terrorist activity ahead of the September 9 anniversary.

Ansyaad Mbai, the chief of the National Counter-Terrorism Agency (BNPT), however, said that security authorities remained alert.

"Until now, no specific indications have been observed. But I am not saying there is no possibility for it to happen. So we will always be alert," he said after the closing of a seminar on de-redicalization.

The US government has warned its citizens to remain vigilant against possible terrorist attacks. US secretary of defense Leon Panetta issued the warning ahead of the anniversary of the terrorist attacks on New York`s Twin Towers on September 9, 10 years ago.

Ansyaad Mbai said he had often received questions from foreign journalists lately about the possibility of terrorist attacks in the country ahead of the WTC attack anniversary.

To them he said terrorism in Indonesia is different from that that has happened abroad. Terrorists in Indonesia are not oriented to the 9/11 event because "their characteristic is different,"

He said the ideology of international terrorists is influenced by the late Osama bin Laden while radical activities in Indonesia have been in existence before Osama bin Laden exists.

He said the enemies of terrorists in Indonesia are not only western parties but also state apparatus and the government.

However "we remain alert to protect our interest, our people," he said.
(T.U002/H-YH/HAJM/B003)

Editor: Priyambodo RH
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