The position of students as the young generation who are in a transitional phase is often the target of radical groups. Therefore they must be vigilant so as not to fall into radicalism and terrorism.
Having the opportunity to go to college is a privilege because the cost of studying is getting more and more expensive so not everyone can afford it. A student can develop on campus, the way is not only by studying in the library, but also by organizing. However, you have to be picky about your organization because some are affiliated with radical groups.
So far, radical and terrorist groups have targeted students because they have strong energy and critical thinking, making them suitable for new cadres. A student must be wary of socializing because he doesn’t want to be baited, brainwashed, and then his life ends up being a bomb bride. What a waste and sad.
Brigadier General Pol R Akhmad Nurwahid, Director of Prevention of the National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT) stated that students and the younger generation are among the groups that are easily affected by terrorism. The reason is because they have unstable emotions. In a sense, when the situation is unstable, students and the younger generation can easily be influenced by other people, including terrorist groups.
The entry of radicalism among students can be through the student activity unit (UKM). Sometimes there are subtle disguises so that it appears that the activities are positive but instead attract young people to become new cadres. Its characteristics are that the people are intolerant and have spoken about the beauty of jihad and the caliphate state.
If there are SMEs like this, don’t hesitate to report them to the rector and the security forces. It could be that he really is a member of a radical group and infiltrated the campus secretly. Before looking for new victims, it must be stopped now.
In addition, students and the younger generation can also be affected by content on social media. They are already half addicted to social media, not a day without opening Instagram. But you have to be careful and don’t get trapped by radical content, because it can destroy Indonesia. Think logically and don’t just follow.
Prevention must be done so that students and the younger generation are not exposed to radicalism, intolerance, and terrorism. The reason is because when BNPT conducts a small survey, the result is that 1 in 5 young people understand what radicalism is, and even believe in its seduction. This is very dangerous because it can damage young people.
Imagine if that 1 person is trapped in radicalism and intolerance then he will spread it to many others. Moreover, young people also like to socialize, so don’t let the wrong things go viral, both in the real world and in cyberspace.
The younger generation and students must be free from radicalism because on their shoulders the future of Indonesia lies. How can we move forward if the future leaders of the nation are instead busy proclaiming jihad, caliphate, terrorism, and even bombing? We certainly do not want this country to be destroyed.
Therefore, the younger generation must be careful. Do not be easily persuaded by radical groups, because they always reveal without valid facts. Indonesia has become a solid country with Pancasila and the 1945 Constitution, so it cannot simply be replaced with the concept of a caliphate.
Hanging out and surfing the internet is okay but we must prioritize critical thinking. If there is a promise of heaven from a radical group who says that the caliphate’s country will prosper, then think carefully. They have not become leaders yet, they have dared to bomb in public places. Then later it could send nukes to other countries, and the third world war broke out.
Students and the younger generation become easy targets for radical groups. Therefore, they must fortify themselves and not easily believe in the seduction of radical groups. The younger generation must gain knowledge and understand that radicalism and terrorism are wrong.
Anisa Savitri, the author is a contributor to the Press Circle and a Cikini student
