Media Release
29 July 2026
Australia and Indonesia co-hosted the ASEAN-Australia Counter-Terrorism Practical Exchange on Good Practice Approaches to Protect Crowded Spaces, Vulnerable Targets and Critical Infrastructure in Bali, on 28-29 July 2026.
The event brought together representatives from ASEAN Member States, Australia, the ASEAN Secretariat, the United Nations, civil society, academia, peak sporting bodies and the private sector. Participants shared good practices to strengthen regional cooperation in addressing evolving terrorist threats.
“Australia deeply values its close partnership with ASEAN. As terrorist threats continue to evolve, protecting crowded spaces, vulnerable targets and critical infrastructure requires us to remain adaptive, collaborative and forward-looking,” said Australian Ambassador for Counter-Terrorism, Gemma Huggins.
The Practical Exchange was officially opened by Police Brigadier General Dwight Jordan De Fretes, S.I.K., Director of Investigation of the Counter-Terrorism Special Detachment 88 (Densus 88 AT) of the Indonesian National Police, on behalf of Indonesia as the Senior Officials Meeting on Transnational Crime (SOMTC) Leader and Robert Rushby, Director, Counter-Terrorism Asia Section, Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
“This initiative reflects the shared commitment of ASEAN and Australia to deal with terrorism threat by focusing on the importance of protecting crowded spaces, vulnerable targets, and critical infrastructure that will significantly contribute to a safer, more secure, and more resilient region,” said Director Jordan De Fretes.
During this event, participants shared practical approaches to prevention, preparedness, crisis management and post-incident recovery. Through expert presentations, discussions and a scenario-based exercise, they explored ways to strengthen the protection of public spaces and essential services, through coordinated planning, effective crisis response, and multi-stakeholder collaboration.
Together, ASEAN and Australia continue to strengthen regional cooperation, enhance cross-sector partnerships and contribute to regional good practices to support future counter-terrorism efforts.
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Photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/kedubesaustralia/albums/72177720334885550/