Indonesia Ambassador in Damascus denies CNN report on his country’s participation in training for ground intervention in Syria

Indonesia’s Ambassador to Syria has confirmed his country’s rejection of joining the Saudi-led ‘Islamic Military Coalition against terrorism’, indicating that Indonesia fully supports the Syrian government’s efforts in fighting terrorism that poses threat to the world. 

Joko Harianto told the Damascus-based al-Watan newspaper Wednesday that Indonesia has not been informed about the establishment of the coalition, which its targets are not clear yet.

“CNN report that Indonesian fighters are being trained by Riyadh to take part in ground intervention in Syria via Turkey is just a media propaganda  and it aims to spark diplomatic confusion among countries,” he said.

The Ambassador added: “Terrorism is an international case that must be dealt with it within the international cooperation. In Indonesia , there is a national Agency for combating terrorism [BNPT] and it cooperates with several countries in Asia and Pacific region.”

He underlined the importance of establishing security cooperation between Indonesia and Syria to combat terrorism.

“Indonesia fully supports the Syrian government’s efforts in fighting terrorism that poses threat to the world,”  Harianto said, expecting that the second round of Geneva talks on Syria will be held in February 25th if all parties have good intentions .

He underscored that the political solution to the crisis in Syria requires support from the international community .

Syria’s unique steadfastness

“We highly appreciate the unique steadfastness of the Syrian people and its support for the Syrian army and government in fighting against terrorism and against foreign fighters came to Syria from more than 80 countries,” the ambassador concluded.  

Indonesia which is the world’s largest Muslim population has enhanced its friendly relations with all countries and it is active in solving conflicts all over the world .

Syria was the second country to recognize Indonesia independence in 1945.

Basma Qaddour