TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - If allowed to continue, intolerance could lead to radicalism, according to National Police Chief of the Public Relations Division Inspector General Setyo Wasisto.
"Radicalism stems from intolerance, and if the seed of radicalism gets a conducive environment, it will develop into terrorism," Wasisto remarked at a discussion on the revision of the anti-terrorism law on Saturday.
He said currently, groups promoting intolerance are springing up in the name of a particular religion by using advanced forms of information technology and social media to disseminate their ideologies among the public.
"Hence, I call on the public to avoid groups of intolerant people, as it could pose a major threat to the state and nation," he emphasized.
In the meantime, Minister of Home Affairs Tjahjo Kumolo has invited all elements of society to improve early detection to counter any form of terrorism and radicalism.
"Let us fight against radicalism and terrorism in the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia. The entire society and elements of the nation must unite to counter any form of terrorism and radicalism. Indonesia must not lose to radicalism and terrorism," he stated in a written statement here recently.
He delivered the statement in response to the alleged suicide bombing in the Kampung Melayu area, East Jakarta.
He said the Ministry of Home Affairs expressed deep grief over the deaths of three police officers due to the suicide bombing.
The ministry expressed optimism that the police would be able to expose the perpetrators and the motives behind the bombing.
The bombing incident has drawn criticism from various parties. General Chairman of the National Awakening Party Muhaimin Iskandar also strongly condemned the blast in Kampung Melayu in which dozens of innocent people were injured.
"I strongly condemn the inhumane deeds committed by irresponsible people. They continue to harass us, making this country experience an unfavorable condition," he stated.
ANTARA
