Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Jakarta (Agenzia Fides) - The radical Islamic terrorist groups in Indonesia are weaker than in the past, but they are still dangerous. To eradicate them what is needed is, on the one hand, coordinated effort on behalf of the police and on the other a "national program of de-radicalization" to dismantle terrorist ideology and promote dialogue and harmony starting from schools. This was stated in a new report published by the "Institute for Policy Analysis of Conflict" (IPAC), think-tank based in Jakarta. In the text, sent to Fides Agency, it is stated that the explosives used in terrorist attacks carried out in 2013 show minor technological competence and were less destructive; and many attacks, fortunately, failed. However, "extremist networks that continue to carry out attacks against the system and sow hatred resist", which remain "a latent threat to national security".
If the impact of terrorism is less effective, radicalism is still alive: and to have real success in the fight against terrorism, Indonesia needs a "de-radicalization program" - the report says - that can "prevent radicalization". The National Counterterrorism Agency has started the construction of a specific "rehabilitation center" for extremists already convicted and sentenced. But, according to the report, so far Indonesia has held a "soft approach": the state institutions should work better in concert with communities and local institutions. A key point is school and the education system, which should educate the new generations to values such as peace, harmony and pluralism, typical of the Indonesian tradition. According to the text, another area to be monitored, which is crucial to the fight against terrorism, is "cyberspace", as many radical groups use the Internet to meet, to keep in touch, to organize their criminal actions. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 03/01/2014)
