Minister Clarifies Repatriation Plan of Ex-ISIS Indonesians

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Religious Affairs Minister Fachrul Razi has made a clarification that the government was still studying the possibility to repatriate a total of 600 Indonesian citizens who are former supporters of the international terrorist group ISIS.

“The government has not yet decided the repatriation plan, and it is still being reviewed thoroughly by a variety of institutions under the coordination of Coordinating Ministry for Politics, Legal, and Security Affairs. Of course, there are many things to consider, both positive and negative impacts,” said Fachrul in a press release received by Tempo on Tuesday, February 4.

Fachrul explained that the discussion was still afoot, asserting that the National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT) voiced inputs related to the importance of a rehabilitation or training program should they be repatriated.

However, the former Indonesian Military deputy commander admitted that the program is not easy considering they have been exposed to highly radical idealism.

"We will continue to do our best by building synergy with all elements of society. Not only the government but also NGOs and religious organizations," he said.

The Retired General added that the Ministry of Religious Affairs will continue encouraging religious moderation so that the community could maintain religious tolerance in the country.

As reported earlier, Minister Fachrul Razi on Saturday, February 1, said that the BNPT planned to repatriate 600 Indonesians involved in ISIS on humanitarian grounds.

HALIDA BUNGA