By : Gavin Asadit )*
Radical thinking and extremism have become a disturbing threat to stability and security throughout the world. In facing these challenges, deradicalization programs have emerged as an important tool in combating ideologies that fuel acts of terrorism. With a holistic and evidence-based approach, these programs have proven their effectiveness and success in reducing the potential for terrorism and building safer and more tolerant societies.
One of the keys to the success of a deradicalization program is a deep understanding of the root causes of radicalism. These programs actively identify and analyze factors that predispose individuals to engage in radical activities. Ranging from social dissatisfaction to identity issues and economic instability, deradicalization programs provide a comprehensive approach to dealing with the sources of radicalism.
A deradicalization program is a series of activities aimed at changing the thoughts and beliefs of individuals involved in extremist teachings. This program involves various parties, including government, law enforcement agencies, civil society and religious leaders. The main goal of the program is to prevent individuals from being exposed to radical ideologies and transform them into productive members of society.
One of the steps taken in the deradicalization program is involving religious figures as agents of change. Religious figures have a strong influence in society, especially in matters of religion and morals. By involving them in this program, individuals exposed to radical ideology can gain a better understanding of true religious teachings, as well as receive guidance to change their attitudes and actions.
Apart from that, the deradicalization program also involves a rehabilitation and reintegration approach. Individuals involved in terrorist activities often have deep-seated psychological and emotional problems. Therefore, this program provides psychological support and rehabilitation to help individuals overcome trauma and start a new, more positive life. Apart from that, they are also given skills training and education to help them get decent jobs after rehabilitation.
President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) said that Indonesia’s success in dealing with the problem of terrorism was through the deradicalization program. With this program, only 3 out of 560 former terrorist actors wish to carry out acts of terrorism again. This is a manifestation of the success of the deradicalization program in handling terrorism cases.
Head of the National Counter-Terrorism Agency (BNPT), Komjen Pol. Rycko Amelza Dahniel stated that the deradicalization program was a successful step in reducing the spread of radicalism and terrorism. As an effort to restore wrong understanding, build national harmony by reducing the concept of violence. The success of the deradicalization program can be seen from the reduction in the potential for terrorism in Indonesia. Through this program, many individuals previously involved in terrorist activities have been successfully rehabilitated and reintegrated into society. They have changed their attitudes and actions, and become agents of peace and tolerance in society.
One of the key factors for the success of a deradicalization program is a holistic and comprehensive approach. This program not only focuses on security and law enforcement aspects, but also involves educational, social and psychological aspects. Through this approach, individuals involved in extremist teachings can see that there are better alternatives to violence and terrorism. Apart from that, the deradicalization program has also received widespread support from the community. The public realizes that terrorism is not a solution to the problems facing this country. They support the government’s efforts to overcome potential terrorism through this program and play an active role in providing information and reporting suspicious activities.
Even though the deradicalization program has provided positive results, there are still challenges that need to be faced. One of the main challenges is identifying individuals exposed to radical ideology early. Sometimes, these individuals can hide their beliefs well, making it difficult to detect potential terrorism. Therefore, cooperation between government, law enforcement agencies and civil society is essential in overcoming this challenge.
In facing this challenge, the deradicalization program continues to develop more effective strategies and methods. The government also continues to improve coordination between various related institutions to ensure the success of this program. In addition, cooperation with other countries in fighting terrorism is also important to overcome this threat globally.
In conclusion, the deradicalization program has succeeded in reducing the potential for terrorism in Indonesia through an effective approach and positive steps. Through involving religious leaders, rehabilitation and reintegration approaches, as well as community support, individuals exposed to radical ideology have been successfully rehabilitated and become productive members of society. Although there are still challenges that need to be faced, the deradicalization program continues to develop more effective strategies to overcome the potential for terrorism.
The deradicalization program has proven itself to be an effective instrument in reducing the potential for terrorism. Through a holistic approach, robust education, ongoing rehabilitation, and cross-sectoral collaboration, these programs not only reduce the threat of terrorism, but also help build safer, more inclusive, and peaceful societies.
)* The author is an observer of social and community problems