The Meaning Of Merdeka According To Umar Patek: Apart From The Thoughts Of Violence, Radicalism And Extremism

Umar Patek's documentation became a ceremony officer at the Class 1 Surabaya Prison in Porong, Sidoarjo. (ANTARA/HO-BNPT)

JAKARTA - The former terrorism convict who was involved in the Bali Bombing 1 case, Umar Patek, said that independence should be interpreted as a commitment to being free from all radicalism and violent-based extremism. "“(Merdeka) released all violent thoughts, and turned around to jointly create a peaceful Indonesia," Umar said as quoted from a press release from the Indonesian National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT) received in Jakarta, Antara, Wednesday, August 16. The way to escape this violent ideology, said Umar, is to fill positive activities and filter information that leads to negative things. He also invited the public to abandon extreme thinking and return to the fold of the Republic of Indonesia. The 78th Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia is a special for Umar because he is grateful to be able to experience the euphoria of independence with the community, after being released from the Surabaya Class 1 Prison on December 7, 2022. Umar is actively involved in the competition for celebrating the Republic of Indonesia's Independence Day in his home environment. Although known as a former terrorist convict and world-class fugitive, Umar admits that he is not ashamed or awkward to mingle with the surrounding community. "“Berangkur bisa sociasi, duduk sama rata rendah bersama warga mengikuti aktivitas itu,” kata dia. For Umar, past mistakes are part of his life. He admits that he is currently focusing on reorganizing his life and a more useful future. Furthermore, Umar said the momentum of Indonesia's independence was sacred. The reason is, the heroes have sacrificed to expel the invaders in order to realize Indonesia's independence. Therefore, Umar invites the public to remember the services of the heroes and fill the momentum of this independence day with positive things. " “ As a young generation, it must fill in with something positive because no matter how much we give to the country, it is still very far away, smaller than what we provide than the services of our heroes," he said. He also admitted that he was moved to remember himself making the pledge of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia and being an officer of the ceremony at the Class 1 Surabaya Prison in Porong, Sidoarjo. He feels grateful to be able to transform in a better direction and be an inspiration for other terrorism convicts (prisoners).

“Alhamdulillah, the inmates followed in my footsteps. Yesterday I received news at the Sukabumi Prison, three inmates became flag bearers (17 August) and from several other prisons,” he added.