Ezra Sihite – Indonesia became the eighth Asean country to ratify the group's counterterrorism convention after the House of Representatives adopted it into law on Tuesday.

Lawmakers agreed that the ratification of the Convention on Counterterrorism (ACCT) was crucial for a coordinated effort in fighting terrorism in the region as well as inside Indonesia's borders.

"All principles included in the Asean convention on counter-terrorism have a spirit of respect for territorial integrity, equality, extradition, non-interference and a peaceful solution of conflicts. All of these principles suit our interests and purpose," said Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita, deputy head of House Commission I overseeing defense and foreign affairs.

The ACCT was signed by Asean leaders, including President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, in Cebu, the Philippines, in 2007.

The convention aims to enhance the region's capacity to confront terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and to deepen counterterrorism cooperation among the region's law enforcement and other relevant authorities.

The other countries in the regional bloc that have ratified the convention are Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Cambodia, Brunei Darussalam and Burma. Malaysia and Laos are the only countries that have yet to ratify the convention.

The convention went into effect last month when Brunei became the sixth member of the group to ratify it. However, many felt it would be ineffective without the participation of Indonesia, which had been accused by many, including Commission I deputy chairman Tubagus Hasanuddin, of dragging its feet on entering into the pact for the past five years.

Indonesia has been praised by the international community for its success in rooting out terrorist networks, arresting terror suspects and executing the region's top terrorist leaders.