TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Noor Huda Ismail, terrorism expert from Prasasti Perdamaian Foundation, said disbanding hard-line Muslim group the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) was not a solution to the main problem, which was radicalism, as FPI had a strong root.

He said the disbandment would only eliminate the organizations but its members would remain and form another organization akin to FPI that espoused the same radical values.

Earlier, Acting Jakarta Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama sent letters to the Home Affairs Ministry and the Justice and Human Rights Ministry, recommending the disbandment of FPI over their frequent, brutal actions.

Noor Huda said the most effective way to solve radicalism problem caused by FPI was through law enforcement. He added the organization had continued their actions due to the government's permissive attitude.

He said the police should have had the data about FPI based on reports from the public or their actions, and that law enforcement would yield deterrent effects to all FPI members.

Noor Huda said another way was by involving them in democratic process. He added this method was feasible, although difficult. “Just try to encourage them to open up small businesses,” he said.

He explained the existence of FPI was inseparable to economic problems, thus what they need was an assurance of decent life.

SYAILENDRA