Govt No Need to Worry over Returning Ex-ISIS Supporters: Observer

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - An observer from the Community of Ideological Islamic Analyst (CIIA), Harits Abu Ulya, said that the government should not have to be worried over returning Indonesian former supporters of the Islamic States or ISIS who are living in limbo in Syria.

“The government and all related instruments should not have to worry too much. In fact, this is a challenge that must be overcome,” Harits told Tempo, Wednesday, July 10.

However, he added, if the government failed to integrate them in the country, the impact will be fatal. “That will be a time bomb in the future.” 

Harits mentioned two issues that must be concerned to make sure the integration process runs well; proper approach and community acceptance.

The majority of Indonesians citizen presently living in Syria is children and women. Besides, he continued, their mindset on ideology and politics had been shifted as they acknowledged their past choices were problematic.

Therefore, Harits opined the government could reach those who had changed minds. “This requires dialogical and heart-to-heart approach by related parties or qualified figures on the matter,” he said.

In addition, the government has a duty to call the public to care about them.”Related parties need to encourage the public to develop a constructive mindset upon the government’s measure,” he said.

Previously, Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu said that the government is open to the possibility to return former ISIS supporters to Indonesia as long as they pledge allegiance to the country’s five ideologies (Pancasila) and the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI). 

Meanwhile, the National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT) chief Suhardi Alius opined there should be no issue to give the children a second chance to return to Indonesia.

AHMAD FAIZ IBNU SANI

Read also: Give Ex-ISIS Fighters' Children a Second Chance: BNPT