Supporting The Eradication Of Terrorists, Puan: The Young Generation Must Be Rescued

JAKARTA - Chairman of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, appreciated the performance of the Special Detachment (Densus) 88 of the National Police who succeeded in arresting 3 suspected terrorists in Batu City, East Java. He also highlighted one of the suspected terrorists who were young.

"I appreciate the performance of Densus 88 which succeeded in capturing terrorists in Batu, East Java. Moreover, one of the arrested perpetrators is still a student. This is also an effort to save the future of the younger generation," said Puan, Friday, August 2.

The legislator from the Central Java V electoral district revealed that being involved in young people in terrorists is an alarming phenomenon that needs attention. The reason, said Puan, is that young people are often the target of brainwashing along with the period of searching for their identity and the desire to feel connected to something bigger.

"We have to take care of young Indonesians so as not to follow the wrong understanding. Because young people are easy targets to influence because they are in the search period for their identity," explained Bung Karno's grandson.

As is known, Densus 88 arrested three people, one of whom has the initials HOK who is still 19 years old. HOK is allegedly a sympathizer of the terrorist group Daulah Islamiyah affiliated with the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) organization.

When arrested, HOK planned to carry out a suicide bombing that targets places of worship. The three suspected terrorists are known to come from Jakarta.

Seeing this, Puan was concerned and asked for a comprehensive approach from the Government and relevant stakeholders to anticipate the involvement of the younger generation in terrorist groups. The DPR is also said to support it through the legislation, supervision, and other council functions.

"This is our common task. Including cooperation from various elements of society, educational and religious environments, as well as the family environment to protect our children from being influenced by negative things like this," said the former Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture.

Puan also emphasized the importance of socialization and education for children and parents to avoid the snares of terrorist groups. The role of parents is also important in the supervisory function so that Indonesian children are saved from extreme actions.

"Parents and families are at the forefront of supervising the children of the candidate for leader of this nation. Aim at positive activities and activities," said Puan.

The first woman to serve as chairman of the DPR also said that education, supervision, empowerment, and international cooperation could be a strategic step to protect the younger generation from the influence of extreme ideology. Especially, according to Puan, in the current era of digitalization.

"The government needs to implement an effective deradicalization program for young people who have been exposed to extreme ideology," said the former Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture.

These programs are considered to have to include counseling, skills training, and social reintegration. In addition, education about the dangers of ideological extem is also considered to be increasingly massive.

"We have to make sure our children, the younger generation live in a healthy environment that does not harm themselves or others. We need mutual cooperation and work together for the future of the nation's children," concluded Puan.