KPAI Asks Psychology Of Children Allegedly Recruited By NII Terrorists To Be Restored

KPAI Commissioner Retno Listyart/Photo: Antara

JAKARTA - The Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI) has asked for psychological recovery for children suspected of being involved in the terrorist network of the Indonesian Islamic State (NII) in West Sumatra.

As is known, in the recent arrests of 16 NII terrorists, it was revealed that this network also recruits minors.

"Children who are involved in the NII terrorism network need to get their rights, including psychological recovery, fulfillment of the right to education and assistance for reintegration into the community in the community and where the children live," said KPAI Commissioner Retno Listyarti in her statement, Friday, April 1st.

Reflecting on this case, Retno revealed that the recruitment of terrorist networks by involving children is a method that has been used for a long time. Usually, this recruitment goes to schools.

Those targeted are children with difficult economic conditions, learning difficulties, lack of parental attention, and problems with their families. Retno said recruiters usually enter through teachers to school alumni by teaching intolerant attitudes.

"Intolerant attitudes and behavior among children are influenced by intolerant thoughts that even approve of violence in the name of religion," said Retno.

Therefore, Retno encouraged the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemendikbudristek) to create a program to prevent intolerance, bullying and sexual violence.

Given that education plays an important role in instilling the character of democracy, tolerance, and anti-violence, be it education in the family environment, as well as in the education unit or school environment.

"The method starts from building the mindset of educators and school principals, creating complaint channels which are followed up on complaints, to designing learning and curriculum that are designed to respect differences and uphold human rights," he explained.