Beware of the Resurrection of HTI. Take advantage of the moment of action to defend Palestine
By: Agustin Ibraham
The Defend Palestine actions which are widely held in various regions in Indonesia should be appreciated as a form of solidarity with the Palestinian people who oppose the Israeli occupation. However, behind this noble action, there is a potential danger that needs to be watched out for, namely the revival of the banned organization Hizbut Tahrir Indonesia (HTI).
This issue has always been a sensitive and emotional topic among Muslims throughout the world, including Indonesia. Defending Palestine actions often attract great attention and participation from people who want to show their solidarity. However, behind this spirit of solidarity, there is a potential threat from certain groups who want to take advantage of this moment for their own political agenda, one of which is HTI.
Chair of the SKSG UI Terrorism Studies Study Program, Muhamad Syauqillah, said the public needs to be careful about the rise of the HTI group which emerged in the midst of the 2024 leadership transition. We must not be lulled by the trend of decreasing numbers of terrorist crimes, because radicalism and extremism thoughts still threaten the ideology of Pancasila and the integrity of the Republic of Indonesia .
The current genocidal war between Palestine and Israel has raised concerns throughout the world. Solidarity with Palestine is often exploited by HTI as a means to promote its agenda. Every day, loss of life and property continues to fall among the Palestinian people who have become refugees. Solidarity and protests against Israel continue to resonate in various parts of the world, with the hope that this war that has been going on for decades can soon be stopped.
HTI often tries to lead public opinion that the only solution to the liberation of Palestine is through the establishment of a caliphate. The group exploits anti-Israel sentiment and sympathy for the suffering of the Palestinian people to spread their ideology, stating that only the caliphate is capable of confronting Western powers and effectively defending the rights of Muslims.
A demonstration defending Palestine led by the HTI group and followers of the caliphate took place at the Grahadi Building, Surabaya. The interfaith, cultural and diversity organization United Indonesian Archipelago Fighters (PNIB) firmly condemns the group’s actions. PNIB appealed to the security forces in Surabaya and East Java to investigate this action carefully, as in their previous firm actions against extremist groups.
Chairman of PNIB, Gus Wal, said solidarity actions for Palestine should focus more on efforts to end the conflict and prevent additional victims. Humanitarian aid provided from all over the world should be directed at helping Palestinians affected by the conflict, not for political or ideological interests.
HTI uses large actions such as the Defend Palestine Action to show its strength in mobilizing the masses. HTI’s presence in these actions is not only a form of support for Palestine, but also as an opportunity to show their existence and influence in society. Banners, posters and calls to support the caliphate are often included in these solidarity actions.
Several extremist groups such as HTI and the Khilafah have tried to exploit this action for certain interests. Solidarity with Palestine should be built on the basis of true humanity, without being influenced by political agendas or ideologies that can divide humanity.
HTI’s exploitation of the Palestinian issue can trigger radicalization among society, especially among the younger generation who are active on social media. Simplistic and provocative narratives can attract them to join extremist ideologies.
The presence of HTI in major actions has the potential to create social and political polarization. They can exploit differences in views regarding a solution for Palestine to exacerbate divisions in society and weaken social cohesion.
The government and civil society organizations need to increase digital education and literacy efforts, especially among the younger generation. This includes providing a comprehensive understanding of the Palestinian issue and the dangers of extremist ideology, as well as how to recognize and counter propaganda on social media.
Consistent law enforcement against activities that violate regulations, including HTI activities, must be carried out without discrimination. However, the approach used must still prioritize democratic principles and human rights, so as not to cause backlash or accusations that the government is curbing civil liberties.
Moments of action to defend Palestine are important to show solidarity and support for the struggle of the Palestinian people. However, vigilance must be maintained against efforts by groups such as HTI to exploit this moment for their own political agenda. With a strategic and balanced approach, the government and society can work together to maintain national stability and security while continuing to support the struggle of the Palestinian people sincerely and constructively.
Defending Palestine action must remain focused on its main objective, namely supporting the Palestinian people and opposing the Israeli occupation. Don’t let this noble action be exploited by parties who want to divide the nation and undermine the country’s stability.
)* Persada Institute Contributor
