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Palu students get lesson on danger of radicalism
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Tadulako University sociologist Nisbah Maridjang (left) and scriptwriter Swastika Nohara (right) speak to students about ways to prevent the spread of radicalism in Palu, Central Sulawesi, on Thursday. (JP/Ruslan Sangadji)
D
ozens of middle school students in the Central Sulawesi capital of Palu have joined a discussion on the danger of radicalism amid concerns over terrorist movements in the province.
Students were prone to radicalism, which is why the discussion aimed to provide them with an early sense of awareness, said Muzakir Tawil, the chairman of the Central Sulawesi Coordinating Forum on the Prevention of Terrorism (FKPT).
"Children are still unstable and easily influenced," he said at the discussion on Thursday.
The event was organized by FKPT in collaboration with the National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT). A screening of 'The Blindfold' by famed director Garin Nugroho, which tells the story of students being recruited by a radical Indonesian Islamic group, opened the discussion.
Scriptwriter Swastika Nohara, who attended the discussion, said strengthening values of peace and harmony was easier through audio-visual means, hence the screening of the movie at the event.
Another guest at the event, Tadulako University sociology lecturer Nisbah Maridjang, said religious beliefs were not the only thing driving people to join radical groups. She cited economic inequality and education as two key factors behind people's involvement in acts committed by religious fundamentalists.
Feby, a student from state senior high school SMA 2 Palu, welcomed the discussion, staying it allowed students to learn [about the danger of radicalism] and become involved in peace-building practices in their own environment.
Central Sulawesi is home to a large security operation called Operation Tinombala that was launched earlier this year to take down members of the East Indonesia Mujahidin terrorist group centered in Poso regency. (rin)
