By: Muhammad Yasin)*
Radicalism is very dangerous and has even spread in the educational environment. We must be aware of it and try to understand that it does not poison the minds of students and teachers.
Radical groups not only stick their nails through direct regeneration, but also subtly. They have even targeted the pesantren and education environment, knowing that the younger generation is an easy target for radicalism. This is certainly dangerous because they are the future leaders of the nation, but instead their minds are polluted by radicalism and terrorism.
The Regent of Jepara Dian Kristiandi stated that intolerance and radicalism have entered public and private schools. He explained the results of a survey agency that 10% of students were poisoned by radicalism. This figure is certainly terrible because it could be that many more are affected by radicalism, because the survey results are not 100% accurate.
Regent Dian continued, on average, students are trapped by radicalism because of the influence of social media. He suggested that they ask the teacher for advice and opinions if they cannot argue when dealing with radical groups. In a sense, radical groups have entered social media and are looking for new prey, and don’t let students become victims.
Students often access social media because they want to exist and show their good looks in cyberspace. However, they need to be warned not to follow random accounts because they could be managed by members of radical groups. If you have already followed it, it is dangerous because you can be approached, so that you can be drawn into a new radical cadre.
Apart from students, teachers also need to be reminded not to get caught up in radicalism, especially for those with ASN status. As a civil servant, it is unlawful to become a member of a radical group, because it is the same as being a traitor to the state. The penalties range from a harsh warning to dismissal. This is natural because if the teacher teaches radicalism, many students are affected.
Radicalism in the pesantren environment should also be watched out for, because students who are future clerics should not become lecturers with radical speeches. The National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT) collaborates with the Indonesian Islamic Boarding School (IPI) to tackle radicalism and terrorism. BNPT hopes that Islamic boarding schools will be at the forefront in dealing with radicalism.
The Head of BNPT and Chair of IPI are optimistic that with the synergy of government institutions and civil society, the public, especially the younger generation, will not be trapped by the propaganda of terror groups that often use religious narratives.
In a sense, religion should not be misused, because it should teach about peace and love. In Islamic boarding schools, the students study religion, therefore they must be taught not only how to worship but also religion wisely and full of compassion.
Radical groups and terrorists often misuse and create false narratives. Therefore, do not let them enter the pesantren environment. Everyone from santri to ustad must be vigilant. The reason is that radicalism can enter not only through direct meetings with members of radical groups, but also via cyberspace.
Pesantren is a holy place to learn and get closer to Him. Santri as future cleric candidates are required to study for religious moderation, in order to teach moderately and peacefully.
The spread of radicalism in schools and Islamic boarding schools must be watched out for. Do not let the two places of education even be poisoned by radical groups. Everyone, from students, teachers, students, and clerics, must work together in countering terrorism.
)* The author is a contributor to the press circle and a student of Cikini
