By: Abi Raharjo)*
The Nataru holiday (Christmas and New Years) is a vulnerable period because looking back several years, there was a terror threat from radical groups. The government is also trying optimally to overcome terror so that there is no security threat by the end of the year.
Indonesia is a pluralistic country but this cannot be understood by radical groups and terrorists. They insist on establishing a caliphate state and have intolerance, and this is dangerous because for their mission they carry out threats, even bombings. No wonder terrorist and radical groups continue to be hunted by the anti-terror Detachment 88.
Ahead of the Nataru holiday is a thrilling time because there is a holiday and don’t let the excitement be marred by threats of attacks or bombings at places of worship. Security will be tightened so that people can perform mass smoothly.
Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Mahfud MD stated that anticipation was carried out as early as possible for terror, intolerance, destruction of houses of worship, and sweeping ahead of Nataru. With the cooperation between the government, the apparatus, and the community, anticipation will secure Nataru. So that people can worship without being overshadowed by the fear of terror from terrorist groups.
Anticipation must be done because Nataru is synonymous with joy, not fear. Don’t let the end of the year become a tragedy because on television and social media there are news about bombings and attacks in public places. In addition to endangering the people, it can also tarnish the good name of Indonesia. Don’t let this country be synonymous with terrorism and radicalism.
The government will optimize various ways to deal with terror ahead of Nataru. The first is with candle surgery. This annual operation every Nataru will maintain traffic as well as conduct raids if there are suspicious vehicles. Don’t let a car or motorbike carrying a Molotov cocktail escape from the candle operation.
Raids are more stringent, especially during a pandemic. Apart from preventing members of terrorist groups from carrying bombs or other dangerous objects, raids are also carried out to enforce health protocols. Do not let a 4-wheeled vehicle full of passengers because they fail to keep their distance.
Apart from candle operations, the government is also dealing with terror by arresting suspected terrorists. There are 4 people suspected of belonging to terrorist and radical groups who were arrested by the anti-terror Detachment 88, in the South Sumatra area. Arrests will also be made in other areas for prevention.
This arrest is not a form of suspicion or paranoia, but a way to prevent terrorism in Indonesia. Isn’t prevention better than cure? It’s better to prevent bombings early than to be dizzy from investigating bombing cases or terror threats during Nataru.
The next step to prevent terror during Nataru is to prevent sweeping by certain mass organizations. Ormas that usually like to sweep have been disbanded by the government at the end of last year. However, you must remain vigilant because it could be that their former members could be reckless to do sweeping during Nataru.
Terror prevention measures were taken to prevent attacks or bombings on Nataru. They must protect their right to draw closer to God without fear of terror threats from radical groups and terrorists. The solemnity of the people when worshiping must be maintained, and in front of the house of worship there are also officers to secure it.
The government continues to be optimistic in overcoming the terror ahead of Nataru, because people must be guarded so as not to be afraid when worshiping. In addition, Nataru is synonymous with happiness and family warmth. Don’t let the fun of Nataru be ruined by the evil intentions of terrorist and radical groups. The apparatus continues to take steps so that Nataru 2021 will take place peacefully.
)* The author is a contributor to Pertiwi Institute