BNPT and Densus 88 Collaborate with Local Government and Business World to Empower Ponpes Al Muttaqin Jepara

The National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT) continues to strengthen the strategy of preventing violent extremism through a collaborative approach. (IST)

JEPARA - The National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT) continues to strengthen the strategy of preventing violent extremism through collaborative approaches and community empowerment. Working with the National Police Anti-Terror Unit 88, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Jepara Regency Government, to private business actors, BNPT held a program to strengthen economic independence, skills, and national insight at Pondok Pesantren Al Muttaqin, Jepara, Central Java.

This empowerment activity which lasted for 7 days since August 10, 2026 is a continuous step after the declaration of dissolution of the Jamaah Islamiyah (JI) in December 2024. Ponpes Al Muttaqin itself is known as one of the second largest pesantren in Indonesia which was previously affiliated with the former JI.

Create an Islamic Boarding School Economic Ecosystem to Prevent Radicalism

The Head of BNPT, Eddy Hartono, S.I.K., M.H., explained that this program emphasizes the principle of synergy between the government and community elements to protect the younger generation from the dangers of intolerance.

"The principle is that the government and the community collaborate. From the government side there is BNPT, Densus 88, the Ministry of Agriculture, and the Regional Government. From the community and the business world there is PT Astra, PT Panasonic Gobel, Amuya Coffee, as well as other stakeholders to provide entrepreneurship and skills training," said Eddy when opening the event.

He hopes that this collaboration can build a strong economic ecosystem in the pesantren environment. In this way, the students have concrete skills for the future and are protected from exposure to radicalism.

In line with this, the Head of the Central Java Regional Task Force of the National Police, Kombes. Pol. Chairul Anam, emphasized his commitment to accompany this transition process sustainably to advance the nation based on local wisdom.

Cross-Sector Support: From Rice Seed to Espresso Machine

As a tangible manifestation of cross-sectoral coordination, various parties submitted assistance in terms of facilities and infrastructure to support the independence of students:

Ministry of Agriculture: 3.2 tons of rice seeds, 2 water pumps, and 2 hand tractors. Business World (PT Restu Agropro Jayamas, PT Astra International, YBM PLN, & PT Panasonic Gobel): Corn seeds and planting tools, 4 sets of AC service tools, complete barbershop construction, and AC units. Densus 88 AT Polri: Showcase refrigerator, laptop, projector, AC, to Kaliandra and Indigofera plant seeds. Jepara Police: Free health services and provision of a public kitchen. BNPT: Reverse Osmosis (RO) water filter system, espresso machine with manual brew equipment, and 2 sets of content creation tools.

Implementation of the 2025-2029 RPJMN and RAN PE

The empowerment program at Ponpes Al Muttaqin is also in line with the President's directions in the 2025-2029 RPJMN (Astacita), especially in National Priority (PN) 2 (embedding national defense and security and national independence), PN 3 (expanding quality employment), and PN 4 (strengthening human resources).

In addition, this step supports the National Action Plan for the Prevention and Combating of Violence-Based Extremism Leading to Terrorism (RAN PE) Phase 2, especially on the pillars of education, skills, and job facilitation.

The Regent of Jepara, H. Witiarso Utomo, S.E., stated the readiness of the Jepara Regency Government to continue to accompany this program, both in terms of increasing facilities and the quality of student learning so that the impact is felt in the long term.

Realizing Independent and National Visionary Students

The series of community empowerment activities is scheduled to be closed with the Flag Raising Ceremony of the Red and White Flag in the 81st Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia on August 17, 2026 in the courtyard of Ponpes Al Muttaqin.

Through this massive collaboration, BNPT is optimistic that it can create a strong pesantren environment, economically independent, and has a national vision as a form of joint commitment to keep Indonesia safe and peaceful.