By: Bimo Ariyan Beeran )*
The bomb attack on the Astana Anyar Police Headquarters, Bandung City, made people more aware that radicalism still exists in Indonesia. This action cannot be tolerated because it uses violence, even to the point of killing other people. Radicalism must be eradicated so that there are no more attacks or suicide bombings that harm many people.
A terrorist named Agus Sujatno tried to attack members of the Astana Anyar Police Headquarters who were having a morning call, December 7, 2022. After that he set off a bomb and this tragic incident left 2 people dead. The suicide bomb explosion was very shocking, because it happened at the Police Headquarters and the terrorists openly attacked even though they were alone ( lone wolf ).
When there is an attack with a suicide bombing, it is a radical action that cannot be tolerated. Deputy V of the Presidential Staff Office, Jaleswari P, stated that he strongly condemned the acts of terrorism that took place in the city of Bandung. The attack caused the perpetrator and 1 police officer to die. Meanwhile, 8 policemen were injured.
Jaleswari added that the government strongly condemns acts of terrorism in any form, because they are against humanity. There are still a number of parties who terrorize with bombs. This action cannot be tolerated, whatever the reason.
In that sense, the bombings carried out by radical and terrorist groups cannot be tolerated. First, he endangered many people and it was proven that there was one fatality from a police officer. The attack has entered into premeditated murder and will receive severe punishment (if only the perpetrator does not die).
Second, his action was materially detrimental because the front of the Police Headquarters was heavily damaged. It has not been calculated how much the loss will be, but it is certain that it will be in the millions. His actions could not be tolerated because he damaged the police station. After all, the police are a friend of the people.
How can a bomber and killer be tolerated? Radical groups always impose their opinion (to build a caliphate state) and end up doing everything they can, including attacks and bombings. This cannot be tolerated because it is a grave crime and violates the human rights of others.
Second, terrorist groups have repeatedly carried out attacks, either with sharp weapons or bombs. His threats have endangered civilians even though they don’t know what’s going on. Terrorist acts are dangerous and cannot be tolerated because they have the potential to harm other people, and there is a fear of being injured in another bombing.
Bombings carried out by terrorists can have a very long negative domino effect. For example, when there is a casualty, the wife and children are sad because they have lost their protector. They are also threatened because there is no father figure to support them.
Then, when there is a bombing, it will have a negative effect on the tourism sector. Local and foreign tourists will be afraid to visit the city of Bandung for fear of further bombings. Even though the security is even tighter and it is guaranteed that no criminals or terrorists will escape.
Don’t let the city of Bandung have a bad image because it was once the location of a bombing. Therefore, the community, especially Pasundan residents, need to improve their image. They are also very anti-radicalism because it harms society and can destroy the country.
Meanwhile, the cleric Sheikh Muhammad Ibn Salih, stated that suicide bombing is an act that is contrary to his teachings. In that sense, don’t associate bombs with certain beliefs or teachings. The reason is because radical groups are very misguided and their teachings are wrong and not in accordance with the scriptures.
Radical groups usually sell things that are too exaggerated, such as promises of heaven, meeting angels, etc. Even though this is not in any book and he just made it up. It is not true that the bomber will meet an angel, because his actions have violated the rules in the book.
Therefore, people need to be more careful, especially when getting to know new people. Do not get acquainted with new friends and it turns out that he is a member of a terrorist group, who are deliberately disguising themselves and looking for new cadres. Instead of being suspicious, we must be vigilant, because radical groups can appear everywhere, even if they don’t use certain attributes.
The public must also be vigilant when skating on social media. Don’t be swayed by certain hashtags or content, which turns out to be made by members of radical groups. If there is content that is odd then investigate it and if you suspect, report it directly to the cyber police. They will investigate and see if it is true that the admin of the social media account is a member of a radical group.
Terrorism and radicalism cannot be tolerated because they can damage the country and endanger society. Moreover, terrorists carried out bombings and there were casualties and injuries. Do not let the terrorists cause many parties to suffer losses and damage the positive image of the city where the bombing took place. Society must be anti-radicalism and terrorism.
)* The author is a contributor to Nusantara Reading Room