Repatriation of returnees also requires close monitoring from the counterterrorism authority because of the slippery slope of detainees holding onto their radical beliefs.
a href="/news/2020/02/11/breaking-indonesia-not-repatriating-is-fighters-to-protect-nation-from-terrorist-virus.html">The government’s recent decision to not repatriate Islamic State (IS) fighters to Indonesia should be appreciated. Follow-up measures must come immediately.
The government says it will gather data on the number and identity of the citizens who had joined IS; moreover, young children might be repatriated.
Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Mahfud MD said that “children under 10 will be considered on a case-by-case basis: for example, if they have parents there or not”.
Such a decision seems to have carefully considered public opinion on the issue.
Read also: KPAI urges govt to decide who gets custody of orphaned children of IS affiliates
Nowadays every news item of a terrorist act hits home, bringing to mind many attacks in several cities in Indonesia; survivors and affected families and communities are still traumatized and deeply saddened.
Such sentiments may have influenced the government decision to revoke the citizenship of Indonesian IS fighters.
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