Former Terrorist Prisoner: Parents' Role Is The Key To Prevent Radicalism Among Youths

JAKARTA - Former terrorist convict (Napiter) Joko Suroso, who is also often called Joko Padang, said that the role of parents can be the key to preventing radicalism among young people.

"I think that the role of parents is quite large as a deterrent for young people against radicalism," said Joko Padang, as a speaker in the "Ngabuburit and Gathering" event held by the Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI) of Surakarta, Central Java Police, and the Gema Salam Foundation, at the Adhiwangsa Hotel Solo, as reported by Antara, Tuesday, May 4.

On the event Ngabuburit and Gathering held by PWI Surakarta, together with the Central Java Regional Police, and the Gema Salam Solo Foundation, they talk about the theme of "Blocking Radicalism among Young People".

Joko Padang explained the suicide bombing at the Makassar Cathedral Church, South Sulawesi, and the attempt to attack the National Police Headquarters some time ago are several new facts.

One of the highlights of the two events involved the millennial generation. Such as ZA (25), the perpetrator of the attack on the National Police Headquarters, and L, the 26-year-old bomber.

According to Joko Padang, the idealism of millennials is quite high and will be fought for until it is achieved, including if they are included in the understanding of terrorism.

"Even, millennials group when related to religious sentiment, they are very easy to be influenced," said Joko Padang admitting as a former terror convict involved in the Bali Bombing 2 case, which was sentenced to 10 years in prison.

Joko Padang said that parents are obliged to pay attention to the various activities of children from socialization, school to places of worship to become the target of radical groups.

"All children can be targets. Anyone can be recruited to become a group, namely radicalism. If there is the right enthusiasm and momentum, because of injustice and oppression, it will be easier to join the group," said Joko Padang, admitting that he had joined the Noordin M. Top terrorism network in Semarang.

According to Joko, how to prevent young people from joining radicalism will take a long time and cannot be instantaneous. Parents must be able to direct their children to choose their social community.

If their sons and daughters attend a discussion or group recitation the lead is getting louder and parents' suggestions are often opposed. This is an indication that there is a radicalism program, so there is special attention.

Another source, the Director of the Amir Machmud Center (AMC) Dr. Amir Machmud said that radicalism groups have now entered all groups, from the State Civil Service (ASN), students, students, children, and police personnel.

"We think that radicalism has entered into several levels of circles. This should not be ignored, because radicalism will not disappear considering this ideology," said Amir Machmud.

Director of Intelligence and Security for the Central Java Police, Grand Commissioner Jati Wiyoto Abadi, who was present to represent Central Java Police Chief, Inspector General Ahmad Luthfi, appreciated the gathering. The activity aims to establish friendship, as well as to spread the positivism virus so that young people are protected from the influence of radicalism.

Jati Wiyoto Abadi said that the task of the National Police which is merely for law enforcement in terrorism cases is not enough. "We need synergy between parties and stakeholders to stem radicalism and terrorism in the country," said Jati Wiyoto.

"Indeed, we see the development of intolerance, radicalism, and terrorism up to now, quite rapidly. We continue to carry out efforts for preemptive activities. We need the support of all parties. Hopefully with this activity at least we can take action to the country to fight radicalism and terrorism," he said.