Komnas HAM Asks Govt to Repatriate Indonesians in Syria

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) demanded the government repatriate Indonesians living in Syria. Komnas HAM commissioner Chairul Anam said the government had a duty to safeguard its citizens regardless of the risks the country might face.

“Our constitution mandates us to secure citizens regardless of the risks from the person. If they are willing to return, then allow them,” said Anam at his office in Central Jakarta on Friday, April 5. 

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Earlier reports suggested that dozens of Indonesian nationals lived among thousands of foreign fighters or jihadist of Islamic State (ISIS) at Al-Hol refugee camp in East Syria. They left the ISIS’ last pocket in Baghouz after being defeated by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). 

Presently, the government is canvassing a policy concerning the repatriation of the Indonesians. Under the coordination of the Coordinating Ministry for Politics, Law, and Security Affairs, the study involves security and defense institutions, viz. the National Police, the National Counter-Terrorism Agency (BNPT), the National Intelligence Agency (BIN), and the Indonesian Armed Forces. 

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Anam further stressed that the government should not fret over the fact that those Indonesians had been exposed to terrorism considering the BNPT was designed to conduct deradicalization and counter-terrorism.

“As for an issue whether they can undergo deradicalization, that depends on their capacity,” he added.

Anam considered the repatriation of Indonesians from Syria could benefit the government as they could become informants on terror networks in the archipelago.

M ROSSENO AJI