Radicalism Also Affects Police: BNPT

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT) chief Suhardi Alius said that radicalism was not only rife in State-Owned Enterprises (SOE), but also in other institutions, according to the agency's findings.

"Let alone SOEs, police officers, policewomen, are affected by radicalism. I have talked to the police. But whether it is severe or light, few or many, it [severity level] is different [in each institution],” said Suhardi at the Coordinating Ministry of Politics, Legal, and Security Affairs Office, Central Jakarta, Monday, November 18.

The anti-terrorism body, he explained, had mapped institutions that had possibly been affected by radical ideas, as well as journalists from media firms. His agency has also acknowledged those commonly visited places allegedly packed with radicalism.

“Our task is to reduce it to make [the institutions] safe so that the people will uphold nationalism, have a national vision,” Suhardi remarked.

For SOEs alone, Suhardi added, his agency had fulfilled former SOE Minister Rini Soemarno’s requests to establish a lecture for 184 SOE executives. They were provided with subjects related to nationalism, dangers of radicalism, and means to prevent it.

The BNPT has also handed out materials about special treatments for members who were suspected of being affected by radicalism. One of the efforts implemented by the government to curb radicalism was discussed during a special meeting at the Vice Presidential Office last Friday.

"We will coordinate with all ministries and institutions to join hands in eradicating radicalism," Suhardi underlined.

EGI ADYATAMA