The government has stated a firm stance to reject the return of ISIS ex-Indonesian citizens. The decision was a wise choice, considering the return of ISIS combatants to Indonesia could spread the radicalism virus and increase the potential for acts of terror.
The Indonesian government has explicitly stated that it rejects the repatriation of Foreign Terrorist Fighters (FTF) in the Middle East from Indonesia or members of the former Indonesian and Iraqi Islamic State (ISIS). The attitude of the government is very appropriate and deserves thumbs up and is supported by all Indonesians, because it keeps the people away from the danger of radicalism and terrorism.
The decision was made after a limited meeting (ratas) at the Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java, Tuesday, February 11, 2020.
Under the leadership of President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) and Vice President Ma’ruf Amin, the war against all kinds of deviant notions, including radicalism, was very real. Even on various occasions, President Jokowi asserted that there is no place for radicalism and terrorism in the archipelago. The rejection of around 600 former ISIS citizens, who have been contaminated with this radical understanding, is to protect 267 million people in the country.
Moreover, as is known, ISIS FTF from Indonesia, with their own awareness, carried out the burning of passports which actually proved that they initially did not want to return to Indonesia and refused their identity as Indonesian citizens.
Their actions there were to fight the country and betray Pancasila. What are they returning for?
According to Professor of International Law UI, Hikmahanto Juwana, Indonesian citizens who joined ISIS have lost Indonesian citizenship based on Article 23 of the 2016 Citizenship Law for entering foreign service without voluntarily declaring a loyal promise to a foreign country.
Earlier, the Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs (Menko Polhukam), Mahfud MD, said that the government prepared two alternatives related to returning ISIS combatants to be reported to the President. The first draft contained the decision not to repatriate around 660 FTF and the risks arising from that decision. Both decisions were repatriated, their reasons and the process of deradicalization. However, by conducting a thorough study and receiving input from various parties, the government decided to reject the discourse of returning FTF ISIS ex-Indonesian citizens.
Deputy Speaker of the Parliament, Azis Syamsuddin said, the cancellation of repatriation of suspected cross-border terrorists was in accordance with the constitution and fully the authority of the government because in a mechanism it was justified by law. Three provisions in state law can accept the return of Indonesian citizens suspected of cross-border terrorism that is rejected, accepted with consideration or accepted with strict requirements.
Indonesia has committed to the international world to fight radicalism and terrorism, lest Indonesia be labeled a den of terrorists or terrorist protectors. The government also stated that the ISF FTF from Indonesia is prohibited from entering Indonesia through any route, including the ‘rat’ route and will immediately adjudicate if they return home.
The Presidential Chief of Staff (KSP) Moeldoko said President Jokowi had asked the National Terrorism Management Agency (BNPT), the National Intelligence Agency (BIN), and the police to verify and identify 689 former ISIS citizens. After that, their complete data will be sent to Immigration so they cannot enter Indonesia. For this reason, officers serving in the border area are expected to increase their vigilance.
The government has been thinking about the impact on security in Indonesia, because the ISIS understanding is inherent in the FTF, it is even more likely to build ISIS sleep cells. Not only that, on the other hand, the repatriation of the FTF is feared to disrupt economic conditions and hamper investment and participation in Indonesia.
The government’s attitude to reject the return of ISF FTF from Indonesia is in the interests of the nation and state, because the country’s main task is to provide security to its people.
