23 May 2025
There is an increasing number of violent extremist and terrorist prisoners currently completing prison sentences who will soon be released. To support their return into their communities, there are several existing deradicalization and disengagement programs which are designed to rehabilitate them during their prison term. However, it is also necessary to ensure there are effective multi-stakeholder measures to address radicalization in prison and support these prisoners’ social reintegration upon release in an effort to reduce the risk of recidivism.
The development of effective rehabilitation and reintegration measures within the prison system is a critical component of combatting violent extremism conducive to terrorism and terrorism. Such is the mandate of the Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) Working Group. Co-chaired by Australia and Indonesia, the working group recently convened a workshop aimed at identifying good practice approaches for rehabilitating violent extremist terrorist prisoners, including Foreign Terrorist Fighters, and managing their reintegration into the community upon release.
Hosted in Jakarta, Indonesia, the event brought together governments, civil society organizations, practitioners, and other CVE experts. The event served not only as a platform for enhancing operational capabilities, but also as a testament to the deepening collaboration between Australia and Indonesia in addressing the threat of violent extremism and terrorism.
Participants shared valuable information and evidence-based best practices on rehabilitation and reintegration of violent extremist terrorists in prison and post-release, focusing on effective capacity-building and early intervention approaches. The workshop also identified areas to strengthen regional capacity and international cooperation through cross-sectoral and multi-stakeholder approaches on managing violent extremist terrorists in prison and post-release.
The workshop complemented the GCTF Rome Memorandum on Good Practices for Rehabilitation and Reintegration of Violent Extremist Offenders, while also acknowledging the evolving threat of violent extremism conducive to terrorism since its adoption. By aligning with the strategic priorities outlined in the CVE Working Group Work Plan 2024-26, Australia and Indonesia reaffirm their joint commitment to promoting comprehensive and sustainable CVE efforts in both custodial and non-custodial settings.
In their capacity as Co-Chairs of the CVE Working Group, Australia and Indonesia remain committed to enhancing international cooperation and reinforcing shared responsibility to build safer, more resilient communities across the Indo-Pacific and beyond.