Anticipating The Nation's Life Is Damaged, Radicalism Must Be Prevented Together

Vice President Ma'ruf Amin (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - Vice President Ma'ruf Amin said radicalism, extremism, and terrorism must be jointly prevented by all parties, both ulama, and the public, so as not to damage the life of the Indonesian nation.

"We understand that radicalism can trigger the emergence of extremism and terrorism, which can damage the foundations of this nation's life. We must prevent this together," said the Vice President at the National Halakah I organized by the Indonesian Ulema Council's Counterterrorism and Counterterrorism Agency (BPET-MUI), via a video conference from Jakarta, as reported by Antara, Wednesday, January 26.

The prevention of radicalism, the Vice President continued, cannot only rely on the role of the ulama. All elements of society in various circles must work together to prevent the spread of this notion.

"Of course, scholars cannot fight alone. The role of families, teachers, and the wider community is very important in collaborative efforts to prevent the entry and spread of radicalism and terrorism," he said.

The government also strengthens countermeasures against radicalism, extremism, and terrorism through Presidential Regulation (Perpres) Number 7 of 2021 concerning the National Action Plan for the Prevention and Combating of Violent Extremism that Leads to Terrorism for 2020-2024.

"This Presidential Regulation is our common reference to strengthen collaboration between Ministries/Agencies, local governments, ulama and Islamic organizations, including BPET-MUI, in order to prevent and overcome radical-terrorism notions," he said.

On this occasion, the Vice President also appealed to all interfaith leaders in various regions to prioritize the narrative of harmony in their religious lectures. This can maintain tolerance and create inter-religious harmony in Indonesia.

"What needs to be guarded is also the ways of broadcasting the religion of each religion. It should use a narrative of cool and peaceful harmony, not a narrative of conflict that results in hatred and enmity between religious adherents," said the Vice President.