Arab Islamic American Summit:Jokowi Share Experience in Terrorism

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko Widodo alias Jokowi highlights the importance in striking a balance between hard power and soft power in combatting terrorism. He conveyed the message yesterday at the Arab Islamic American Summit at the King Abdul Azis Convention Center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Jokowi said that aside from hard power, Indonesia also adopts soft power through religious and cultural approaches. “In deradicalization programs, for example, Indonesian authorities involve the community, families, including the families of former terror convicts, and mass organizations,” Jokowi said yesterday in a press statement.

As for counter-radicalization, Jokowi added, the government is recruiting young netizens with a substantial number of followers to spread peaceful messages. “We also engage two largest Muslim organizations in Indonesia, namely the Muhammadiyah and Nahdlatul Ulama to continue to spread peaceful and tolerant Islam,” Jokowi said.

He said that the world needs more peaceful messages instead of violent ones. Violence will only trigger more violence. History shows that guns and military power will not be enough to combat terrorism. Malicious ideas can only be changed through better ideas.

On the occasion, Jokowi said that the Arab Islamic America Summit denotes a partnership between the Muslim world and the United States and tackle the perception that the latter sees Islam as an enemy. The meeting is also expected to help improve cooperation on counterterrorism and send the message of peace to the world.

Jokowi said that the threat of radicalism and terrorism is being faced by many countries, including Indonesia, who suffered from Bali bombings in 2002 and 2005 and recent Jakarta attack in January last year.

According to Jokowi, the world is angered and saddened by terror attacks in France, Belgium, UK, Australia, etc. However, he said that the world must also pay attention to the victims in conflict-ridden areas, such as Iraq, Yemen, Syria and Libya. “Muslims are the biggest victims of conflicts, radicalism and terrorism,” Jokowi said.

The President said that millions are forced to leave their respective country for better lives. Millions of younger generations are losing hope in their future. “Such condition has left young people frustrated and angry. The anger and frustration could lead to potential extremism and radicalism,” he said.

AMIRULLAH SUHADA