By: Arif Rahman)*
Intolerance and radicalism are two dangerous things that can damage Indonesia. Therefore, all elements of society must unite to prevent the spread of this understanding which can create divisions in Indonesia.
Have you heard of cases of intolerance? Sadly, after the reform era began, intolerance has actually increased in Indonesia. Even though we are a pluralistic nation and everyone should be tolerant of each other and respect differences. But what happened was the opposite. This situation is getting worse because radicalism is also widespread and can lead to terrorism and bombings.
To prevent intolerance and radicalism, all Indonesian people must unite and work together. This was stated by a member of the Indonesian Parliament, Evita Nursanty. The woman who is also the general chairman of the central committee for the Putra Putri Polri extended family continued, mutual cooperation is the character and personality of the Indonesian people. The spirit of gotong royong must be built to achieve a peaceful and prosperous Indonesia.
In a sense, indeed we must work together in fighting intolerance and radicalism because they cannot work alone. If there is mutual cooperation then these two problems can be resolved properly. The reason is because if there is cooperation then a problem will be resolved quickly. Aren’t we united we stand?
For example, when there is intolerance, for example ahead of the Chinese New Year. Intolerance can be erased when everyone understands that this is a day of happiness for the people of Chinese descent, and everyone works together to make the event a success. Collaboration occurs when everyone understands that we live in Indonesia, which is a pluralistic society. So that everyone respects, respects, and tolerates each other, without fear of losing their faith.
Another example is when there are cases of radicalism such as sweeping by radical groups. The community can cooperate by helping victims, for example when a shop owner becomes a victim of sweeping, the neighbors help to clean it up. They can also go viral so that there is assistance from the security forces.
Evita continued, the extended family of the sons and daughters of the National Police are also united in working together to prevent intolerance and radicalism. From the bottom to the top, everyone works together. For example, by reporting when there are acts of intolerance and radicalism so that they can be handled by the authorities.
Prevention is indeed more powerful than treatment, and people are asked to care about their surroundings. For example, when there are rumors that a radical group will carry out sweeping, they spread it so that others can be prepared not to be swept. Apart from that, it can also make reports so that there are officers who guard it.
Reporting is necessary because we must not be ignorant in society. For example, if there is something suspicious, it can be investigated, has he been exposed to radicalism? If it has been proven, it can be reported so that the authorities can take care of it.
This act of reporting is not paranoid but a precaution. We must understand the characteristics of radical groups. For example, when a child complains, why the teacher is intolerant, strict in teaching, and even tells of the greatness of jihad, it can be reported to the authorities because it is a characteristic of a radical group.
The public is obliged to cooperate because the number of members of the Anti-terror Detachment 88 and other officers is limited. They can be very helpful by reporting and will be greatly appreciated by the authorities. Remember that only by working together can radicalism and intolerance be overcome.
Cooperation is indeed mandatory, not only by civil society but also other elements of society. For example, religious leaders can give lectures on anti-radicalism. The head of the RT emphasized tolerance in society. If we all work together, intolerance and radicalism can disappear from Indonesia.
)* The author is a contributor to Pertiwi Institute
