By: Arif Rahman)*
Security Forces continue to arrest terrorists ahead of Christmas and New Year (Nataru). The community also appreciates the fast steps of law enforcement to anticipate disturbances in Kamtibmas while at the same time providing a sense of security to the community.
Nataru usually takes place happily because there is a holiday, and there are people who are happy because they are celebrating. However, this family atmosphere can be broken when there is a threat from a terrorist group. Looking back over the years, Nataru has even become a disaster because of bombings and threats of violence at places of worship.
To anticipate attacks from radical groups and terrorists, the security forces conduct candlelight operations as well as to control the situation on the streets, plus conduct raids. Another way to compensate for terror is to arrest terrorist members.
Head of the Operational Assistance Section for Densus 88 Kombes Aswin Siregar stated that 14 terrorists were caught before Nataru and they joined the JI network. Kombes Aswin added that of the 14 terrorists caught by the anti-terror Detachment 88, not in 1 location but in several places. Namely Batam, South Sumatra, and North Sumatra. Further investigations are still underway on the 14 terrorists.
The arrest of the terrorist should be appreciated because it was carried out ahead of Nataru. It is hoped that this arrest will eliminate terror, either in houses of worship or public facilities. The reason is, when Nataru is sensitive and don’t let SARA issues lead to bombings and attacks and make the end of the year full of blood.
Appreciation should be given to the anti-terror Detachment 88 for moving quickly in arresting terrorist members. The reason is, if left alone, they will be dangerous because they can freely carry out terror, especially when Nataru. People must be given a sense of security when going to worship, so that no one should threaten or carry out bombings in sacred places such as houses of worship.
Looking back, radical groups and terrorists have not only threatened bombings or attacks around houses of worship, but also other ‘crazy’ acts. I still remember when a mass organization (which is now banned because it was found to be radical and affiliated with terrorists) carried out sweeping arbitrarily during Nataru.
Don’t let the behavior of members of these banned mass organizations be imitated by terrorists by sweeping either in supermarkets or other public places. It would be crazy if they were sweeping red hats, snowman and santa claus statues, and fir trees. Though it’s just decoration but they get angry and beard fire.
Once caught, terrorist members can face up to 5 years in prison. This punishment was deemed appropriate because they disturbed public order and security. Don’t let this country be destroyed because of the terrorists who carried out their actions, both at Nataru and at other moments.
If a terrorist member is arrested by the anti-terror Detachment 88, it is hoped that other terrorist members who have not been caught will shrink and cancel their actions to terrorize the people and the general public during Nataru. They were afraid they would also be banned by Densus, so they just let Nataru go.
Other terrorist members will also think twice about revealing themselves, because currently raids and candle operations are getting tougher. The police and Densus 88 did not want to be missed. Therefore, the security will be more intensive ahead of Nataru.
The arrest of 14 terrorist members is proof that Densus 88 and the security forces are serious about securing Nataru. People must protect their rights to worship and celebrate holidays. There should be no threats or bombings that could damage Nataru’s soul.
)* The author is a contributor to the Press circle and Cikin Students