BNPT signs deradicalization agreement with Islamic organizations

The National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT) has agreed to cooperate with several Islamic organizations in conducting deradicalization programs for terrorist suspects.

“This is the time for Islamic organizations to take a leading role in the country’s efforts to prevent terrorism,” BNPT chief Insp. Gen. (ret) Ansyaad Mbai told journalists on Thursday.

Among those organizations is the largest Islamic mass organization, Nahdhlatul Ulama, Al Hikam student boarding school and the Islamic State University of Surakarta.

Hasyim Muzadi, a former NU chief who is now representing Al Hikam boarding school, said he fully backed the government’s deradicalization plan, as it could help reject the wrong ideology that supported terrorism.

“We are targeting two main groups. The first will be how to prevent the silent majority from being influenced by radical ideas. The second one will be inviting all the radical figures to an open discussion about their ideas of Islam and Jihad, for example,” he said.