Public Response To Fadli Zon's Statement On Densus 88 Which Develops An Islamophobic Narrative

Fadli Zon (Instagram: Fadlizon)

JAKARTA - Gerindra Party politician Fadli Zon was surprised by Densus 88 which actually developed an Islamophobic narrative in the country. In fact, terrorist cases that clearly oppose the sovereignty of the Republic of Indonesia have never been completely resolved.

The statement was conveyed by Fadli Zon through his Twitter account @fadlizon.

"Separatist terrorists who clearly challenge Indonesia should be the priority but cannot be handled. Don't always develop an Islamophobic narrative that can divide the nation," said Fadli through a tweet on his Twitter account, @fadlizon quoted on Wednesday, October 6.

Then, Fadli Zon also said that the task of eradicating terrorism should be left to the National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT). Because there are too many institutions involved in handling terrorism cases.

"In my opinion, there are too many institutions dealing with terrorism. It should be @BNPTRI," explained the member of Commission I of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI).

Fadli Zon also previously highlighted the statement by the Director of Prevention of the Special Detachment (Densus) Anti-terror 88 Police Commissioner M Rosidi. Because, in a discussion, Rosidi linked the victory of the Taliban in Afghanistan could have an impact on the rise of terrorist groups in Indonesia.

Fadli Zon did not accept it because Densus 88 was considered to be using this issue as part of Islamophobia in Indonesia. In the end, Fadli Zon asked Densus 88 to be disbanded.

"This kind of narrative will not be trusted by the people anymore, it smells of Islamophobia, the world has changed, it's best if Detachment 88 is disbanded," Fadli tweeted via his Twitter, @fadlizon quoted Wednesday, October 6.

Public response

Responding to this, the National Police Commission (Kompolnas) said the statement by Gerindra Party politician Fadli Zon was completely baseless. Because there is no data that can substantiate his statement.

"For us, this statement is completely unfounded. It is not supported by data, it is not supported by research, and it is historical," said Commissioner of National Police, Poengky Indarti.

In addition, Poengky said that so far the performance of Densus 88 Anti-terror has been very effective. This is because many terrorists have been arrested when they were indicated to spread terror.

"We are very surprised, surprised, and regret the statement by the member of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Mr. Fadli Zon, who stated that Densus 88 should be disbanded because of Islamophobia and making terrorists a commodity," she said.

Moreover, said Poengki, Fadli Zon is not part of the police officers' performance supervisor. Where the supervisor is commission III DPR-RI.

"Moreover, Mr. Fadli Zon is not included in the commission that is a partner or supervisor of the Police," she said.

On the other hand, Kompolnas deeply regrets that there is a statement about Densus 88 that it is better to dissolve it. Poengki said, the narrative of the disbandment was often heard but from the terrorists.

"So far, the narratives that say Densus 88 must be disbanded are narratives from terrorist groups and radical groups, so it is misleading and very dangerous if a member of the council supports the narrative," said Poengki.

Meanwhile, Densus 88 Anti-terror was reluctant to comment much on Fadli Zon's statement. It was only considered as a suggestion that could improve the performance of Densus 88 Anti-terror.

"We will study it," said Head of Banops Densus 88 Kombes Aswin Siregar

However, Aswin did not elaborate on the follow-up in question. To be sure, Densus 88 thanked Fadli Zon for the information.

"Thanks for the information," said Aswin.