In the era of globalization and advances in information technology, the internet has become the main means for disseminating various information. However, unfortunately, the internet has also been used by radical groups to spread ideas that have the potential to damage social harmony. Therefore, serious efforts are needed to reduce the spread of radical ideology with a moderate and tolerant Islamic approach.
The National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT) as the institution responsible for countering terrorism in Indonesia, has an important role in combating the spread of radical ideas in cyberspace. BNPT needs to collaborate with various parties, including the government, educational institutions and the general public, to present content that contains narratives with moderate nuances in cyberspace. In this digital era, many people get their information through online platforms. Therefore, there is an urgent need to present a balanced and supportive narrative in the digital space, to counter the radical propaganda that often utilizes these platforms to spread their ideology.
BNPT Deputy for Enforcement and Capacity Building, Inspector General of Police. Ibnu Suhaendra, S.IK said that with content containing moderate narratives, internet users or the public can find and consume more positive information so they can avoid, stay away from, or even fight radical narratives and terrorism. BNPT realizes that with the presence of narratives and moderate content spread in cyberspace it is able to present, even counter radical narratives and terrorism.
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One step that can be taken is to increase people’s digital literacy. Digital literacy is an individual’s ability to use information technology wisely and responsibly. By increasing digital literacy, internet users can find and consume more positive information so they can avoid, stay away from, or even fight radical narratives of terrorism.
A proper understanding of moderate Islamic teachings is the first step in preventing the spread of radical ideas. This involves emphasizing Islamic values that respect diversity, value peace, and encourage dialogue between religious communities. A correct understanding of moderate Islam can provide a strong basis for society to reject radicalism.
As the leading sector , BNPT cannot work alone, there needs to be an active role from all government officials, to participate in the production and distribution of moderate narratives. With the participation of government officials such as the Ministry of Communication and Information, the State Intelligence Agency (BIN), and the TNI/POLRI, moderate narrative content can be optimized in cyberspace as a form of counter to content containing radicalism and terrorism. Apart from that, it also serves as literacy for the community to minimize exposure to radicalism and terrorism. Brigadier General Pol. Ahmad Nurwakhid, Director of Prevention at BNPT also emphasized the importance of controlling two areas, namely the educational space and cyberspace or social media in fighting radicalism and terrorism.
On the other hand, BNPT also needs to collaborate with ulama and religious figures who have a moderate and tolerant understanding of Islam. Through this collaboration, ulama and religious figures can play an active role in spreading messages of kindness and tolerance through social media and other online platforms. In this way, radical narratives can be reduced and replaced with messages that promote peace and harmony.
The government also needs to take an active role in reducing the spread of radical ideas in cyberspace. One step that can be taken is to monitor and take firm action against social media accounts that spread radical content. Apart from that, the government can also involve educational and religious institutions in providing education and a correct understanding of moderate Islam to the public.
The Central Java Province Communication and Information Service (Diskominfo) supports GP Ansor Central Java in promoting religious moderation, by flooding friendly or positive content in cyberspace. Head of Central Java Diskominfo, Riena Retnaningrum, said that her party supports friendly content, especially on social media, which will have a positive impact in fighting content that contains radicalism and terrorism.
It is also important to create safe and trustworthy online platforms. These platforms must have strict policies against content that has the potential to damage social harmony. Apart from that, these platforms must also be able to present content that is moderate and tolerant. With safe and trusted online platforms, it will be easier for internet users to access positive information and avoid potentially damaging content.
Education also has a very important role in reducing the spread of radical ideas. Schools and universities must integrate a moderate and tolerant Islamic approach in their curriculum. Apart from that, educational institutions must also provide a correct understanding of Islam and encourage students to become agents of peace and tolerance in society. In an effort to reduce the spread of radical ideology, there needs to be cooperation between the government, educational institutions, religious leaders and the general public. All parties must work together to spread messages that promote moderate and tolerant Islam. Through serious and sustainable efforts, we can reduce the spread of radical ideas and create a peaceful, harmonious and civilized society.
