BNPT Emphasizes The Importance Of Youth's Role To Counter Radicalism

Director of Prevention of the National Agency for Combating Terrorism (BNPT) Brigadier General Pol R Ahmad Nurwakhid/Photo: Antara

JAKARTA - Director of Prevention of the National Counter-Terrorism Agency (BNPT) Brigadier General Pol R Ahmad Nurwakhid SE MM said the involvement of the younger generation is very important to prevent the spread of radicalism, especially among themselves. Last 2020, as many as 12.2 percent of Indonesians who were included in the index category for the potential for radicalism were dominated by the younger generation," said Nurwakhid in a written statement received in Jakarta, Thursday, April 14. The younger generation is the millennial generation between the ages of 20 to 39 years. Then the second Generation Z, namely the age of 14 to 19 years. During the discussion on Youth Involvement in the Prevention of Radicalism and Terrorism with the National Speech in Depok, Wednesday (13/4), the Director of Prevention of BNPT said that it was very important for youth to be involved in counter radicalization. be it counter ideology, counter propaganda or counter narrative, especially in cyberspace. Because the spread of intolerance and radicalism is dominated by cyberspace. "Because of the survey results from the Setara Institute survey agency, in the 2019-2020s religious content in cyberspace was dominated by around 67% of which the content was about intolerant religious content. and radical. So many target young people, especially the millennial generation and generation Z, the majority of whom use gadgets or use social media facilities," said this 1989 Akpol alumni. Densus) 88/Anti-Terror Police said that in carrying out their mission to recruit young people, this radical group often manipulates, distorts and politicizes religion. this is an attempt to influence or control the even control of influence on all lines," said the former Jembrana police chief at the event themed "Young Indonesian Expressions" organized by the West Java Province Coordination of Terrorism Prevention (FKPT) Forum.​​​​​Meanwhile, Deputy Mayor of Depok Imam Budi Hartanto revealed that The Depok City Government through the National and Political Unity Agency (Kesbangpol) will continue to make various activities for youth to avoid the spread of intolerance, radicalism and terrorism. In addition, his party will also invite all components of society to protect the younger generation in their area so that they are free from radicalism and terrorism. Because in the concept of development in Depok City, his party uses the concept of collaboration and participation, which includes the Religious Harmony Forum (FKUB).

"Then everything will be fronted by Kesbangpol and FKUB. So, God willing, we can unite all components through the two institutions, both Kesbangpol and through FKUB," he said. Head of West Java FKPT Iip Hidajat said that his party deliberately held an event involving youth in Depok because there was news that Depok had become an intolerant city. "For that today we gather here with all elements of all powers to see and unite perceptions again. So that our name is packed, namely Expression of Young Indonesia," he said. It is hoped that the younger generation who have great potential can 'fight' the intolerant radical understanding. The West hopes that with this event, the younger generation will have knowledge and provision against the dangers of intolerance, radicalism and terrorism so that their thoughts are enlightened.