ABSTRACT
Terrorism in the region has not been a new development, as there has been an enduring desire by some for an Islamic state in Indonesia, which in turn explains the persistence of terrorism in the Malay Archipelago. While the Al Qaeda-linked Jemaah Islamiah was progressively decimated by security forces after 9–11, the void it left was quickly filled by the Islamic State. The historical persistence of a militant minority suggests an enduring alienation by some to the modern and independent post-colonial secular state. This implies that terrorism in the region will never really be defeated, and the realistic objective will therefore have to be containing it within acceptable boundaries. Regional counter-terrorism remains a long-term endeavour as well as a work in progress, with continued room and urgency for improvement.
