Deradicalization Needs Public Support: President Jokowi

President Jokowi engages in a dialog with community members at Majasari Village, Sliyeg District, Indramayu, Thursday (7/6). (Photo by: Oji/ Public Relations Division of Cabinet Secretariat).

The Government will carry on the ongoing deradicalization process to stop the spread of radicalism and it needs support from public and religious organizations, according to President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo.

Speaking to journalists during his visit to Majasari Village, Sliyeg District, Indramayu, Thursday (7/6), the President said: “the deradicalization process has been implemented by the Government, involving the National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT) for prevention and the Indonesian National Police (Polri) and the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI) for eradication.”

President Jokowi added that radicalism has existed for a long time and the number of people exposed to radicalism is alarming. The President also expressed his hope that the deradicalization process can gain supports from public and religious organizations, including the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), Nahdlatul Ulama and Muhammadiyah.

The President further said that Ministry of Research, Technology and Higher Education is currently conducting a research on special regulation regarding radicalism in universities. The regulation, according to President Jokowi, aims to save the nation (from radicalism) and does not violate academic freedom and freedom of association.

“If we need the regulation, we will stipulate it. As of today, the regulation is still under consideration, “President Jokowi concluded.  (RSF/OJI/ES) (RI/EP/Naster)