Backs India on Counterterrorism

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has strongly condemned the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, that claimed the lives of 28 civilians. During a two-hour meeting with Indian Ambassador Sandeep Chakravorty in Jakarta, President Subianto emphasized that “the brand of Islam practiced in Indonesia does not support such violent actions.”

A Message with Global Implications

Describing the incident as a “religiously motivated killing of innocent tourists, ” President Subianto declared the attack “a crime against humanity.” He further asserted that “terrorism is never a solution — peace talks can only occur once armed hostilities end.” With Indonesia being the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation, his remarks are being seen as a significant counterpoint to the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), which has recently voiced support for Pakistan.

Attack Details and Fallout

The brutal assault in Pahalgam’s Baisaran Valley targeted non-Muslim tourists, with eyewitness accounts confirming that attackers forced victims to recite Islamic phrases before executing them. Of the 28 victims, 25 were Hindus, one was a Christian, and one local Muslim man was killed trying to resist the attackers.

In response, India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, expelled Pakistani diplomats, and shut down aerial corridors between the two nations, escalating regional tensions.

Diplomatic Cooperation and Global Response

President Subianto reaffirmed the joint Indo-Indonesian statement issued during his January 2025 visit to India, which pledged to “strengthen counter-terrorism cooperation.” The United States has also reiterated its support for India’s anti-terror efforts. Meanwhile, China and Russia have yet to issue clear statements on the matter.

Hunt for the Attackers

According to sources in India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA), four militants are believed to be hiding in the dense forests of South Kashmir. The group is reportedly using satellite phones and encrypted communication tools to evade detection.

Key Facts:

• Casualties: 28 civilians (25 Hindus, 1 Christian, 1 local Muslim)

• International Support: Indonesia and the U.S. have publicly backed India

• Indian Response: Indus Waters Treaty suspended, Pakistani diplomats expelled

• Ongoing Threat: Militants remain at large in southern Kashmir forests

Summary:
President Prabowo Subianto’s unequivocal condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack underlines both a moral stance against religious violence and a reaffirmation of India-Indonesia strategic ties. The assault exposes the growing civil-military tensions in Kashmir and the evolving nature of international terrorism, ushering in a new set of geopolitical and security challenges.