Beware the Spread of Radicalism via internet and Social Media
By: Dwi Kusnandar) *
The spread of radicalism through cyberspace has become a global phenomenon that must be faced together. All parties are expected to be able to increase their vigilance given that radicalism threatens the state’s ideology and can trigger national disintegration.
Unwittingly the preoccupation of surfing in cyberspace makes many users off guard. Social networks that offer a variety of conveniences, fun to the world of entertainment can be enjoyed freely. However, unfortunately this freedom to access facilities is used by irresponsible elements.
Radicals who are good at playing IT certainly will not have trouble hacking various personal information. They are free to roam around looking for prey to be recruited as members. Through content that is persuasive, individual radicals are able to attract prospective members more easily. In fact, the propaganda that was rolled out felt even more horrified.
Its contents are more to provoke users. Especially citizens who sometimes lack understanding, will be more easily influenced by what they say. Especially if in the appendage of religion. Guaranteed, many will fall into the trap. Different again If the user is accustomed to accessing rational news such as moderate propaganda that can be accounted for. So that it will not be easily tempted and can be evaded by the persuasion of radicals.
In fact, Former National Police Chief Tito Karnavian stated that if the terrorists who had carried out their actions in North Sumatra, received education related to radical understanding through social networks.
To anticipate this, the Ministry of Communication and Information is monitoring up to 200 sites on the Internet that are considered to have negative content. In 2015, there were about 22 sites suspected of spreading radicalism. However, it has been blocked by the government. Because it already has the blocking authority, it does not require a straightforward procedure.
As we know, Radical Movements often carry out recruits through various social media accounts. Their main target is young people and millennial. Which still has emotional instability so it’s easier to be influenced. This matter was worsened by their religious condition which was only one third. Because they also pay online. Not to mention if the study is “off the mark”. Isn’t this can be fatal?
The well-known former Bali Bomb terrorist, Umar Patek, hoped that the younger generation would not follow in his footsteps. He also stressed that it would not be easily provoked and ensnared by various easier paradise promises. He also said that now radicalism plays more on the internet. Not like the first who had to meet face to face first. However, he revealed that the government and the ministry of communication and information carried out very strict supervision to apprehend the perpetrators of the spread of radicalism.
The most worrisome is the existence of doctrines about istisyhad or popular with suicide bombings. By carrying out suicide bombings they will be considered martyrs. And going to heaven later. Apparently, this suicide bombing is a demonstration of the understanding of the Shia bathiniyah which means redeeming heaven by sacrificing themselves in a murder operation.
This kind of doctrine if it becomes widespread through the Maya world will be very dangerous. The bet is unity and unity which will later destroy the tolerance that has been created. Another tendency to be easily exposed to radicalism is generally based on economic conditions and lack of communication in the family environment.
Inevitably there is a desire to seek enlightenment in other places, such as the internet. Which would drive them into a horrible radicalist world. Moreover, if they are anti-Pancasila. Of course like a tit for tat, radicalism certainly would love this. Worse yet, if they then act extremism. Those who think others need to be destroyed if it is not in line with them.
Therefore, the importance of understanding related to the danger of radicalism needs to be intensified. including spreading content, educative and positive content. If the spread of radical understanding can be suppressed, it is not impossible that the crime rate can be drastically reduced. Which later will impact on stable security conditions. So, still want to be a slave to radicalism that is veiled by religious appendages? Harms and afflicts the family to the state or becomes a human with a high tolerance and maintains unity more wisely filters all available information.
) * The author is a Muslim United Millennial contributor