By: Zaki Walad )*
Radicalism must be eradicated so as not to destroy this country. One way to prevent the spread of radicalism is to increase the synergy between law enforcers and the community.
Have you heard the news about radicalism and terrorism when there was a bombing? Radicalism is a concept that was relatively new to Indonesia, about 20 years ago, when there was the Reformation Order. Freedom after the release of the shackles of the previous order allowed radical groups to infiltrate and endanger society, it’s a shame.
When radicalism and terrorism have already entered Indonesia, the next homework is eradication. So far, we know the Anti-terror Detachment 88 as a special force to apprehend the perpetrators of terrorism and radicalism. But actually there can’t be only one party working, because collaboration must be done if you want radicalism to be quickly eradicated from this country.
Terrorism observer Noor Huda Ismail stated that strengthening civil society is a very important point to prevent the spread of radicalism in Indonesia. The reason is, the spread of radicalism is not only a problem for state leaders but also the community.
In a sense, the public is obliged to prevent radicalism and not only rely on the government or the anti-terror Densus 88 team. Precisely with collaboration, the arrest of radical groups and terrorists will occur quickly. For example, when there is a suspicious new neighbor and it turns out to be flying the ISIS flag, the public can report it to be followed up by the authorities.
Another example is in the campus area and its surroundings. People who have a boarding house business can monitor their room tenants. Don’t let anyone turn out to be a cadre of a radical group and use their boarding room as a meeting place.
The point is, as a good Indonesian citizen, you should not be indifferent. However, if there is something suspicious, it can be investigated and then reported to the authorities. One report can bear much fruit because it could be that a terrorist and radical kingpin is caught and he can no longer create chaos in Indonesia.
Noor Huda continued, the community must work together in overcoming the spread of radicalism. Moreover, at this time radicalism and terrorism are spread not only by ISIS alumni but also sites and social media accounts that contain this notion. The internet has become a very fertile breeding ground for radicalism.
Radicalism on the internet can spread from paid sites, free, to social media such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. The public can immediately report to the cyber police when there are disturbing social media accounts because they always cry about jihad, radicalism, the caliphate state, and others. Later the account will be taken down for violating the provisions on acts of terrorism in cyberspace.
In addition, also pay attention to young people who often hold gadgets. Do not let them secretly become cadres of radical groups because they get influence from the internet. Make sure all family members get enough love so they don’t think about being trapped by the radicals and terrorist groups out there.
When there is synergy between the community, the apparatus, and the government, we are optimistic that radicalism can be eradicated quickly. The population in Indonesia is hundreds of millions and the majority are internet literate. They can surf well in cyberspace and help the cyber police in countering radical social media accounts.
To eradicate radicalism, a good synergy is needed between the community, the apparatus, and the government. Don’t just rely on the government because civilians can also have the initiative to counter radicalism. The point is to pay attention to the surroundings and not to ignore if anyone is suspected of being a radical group.
)* The author is a contributor to the Press Circle and Cikini Students