W

ith reference to the article “Terror more difficult to detect, BIN warns” published on the front page of The Jakarta Post on Sept. 27.

I understand what they are trying to do by trying to shift the idea of the religious motivation of the terrorist, but the truth is that the heart of the problem is religious intolerance and an “I blame you for my woes” mentality.

Most likely a large percentage is religiously harmonious, but you have that 0.001 percent that is clearly insane that must be exposed and dealt with immediately.

I am not so sure if deradicalization will work, although psychologically fanatics are the most easily manipulated (how else can you convince someone that going boom will get them into heaven).

Increased vigilence against violent teachings at pesantrens (Islamic boarding schools) by imams, and other religious gatherings must be strengthened as this is where it starts. If found, immediately close down the facility, and all those involved such as the trust or main funding individual should have their source of funding immediately blocked untill further investigation can prove their innocence against funding terrorism. To be fair, this should be done at all religious centers and gatherings.

Heck, I keep talking about a joint religious panel that must approve all pesantrens, churches, mosques, temples, gatherings or even religious figures seminars or public speechs. Obviously the Religious Affairs Ministry is useless in maintaining religious harmony, just by the open fact that it doesn’t give equality to all religions in decision making, therefore doing away with this minister and replacing them with a panel would be a better choice (budget problem? then cut employees at this wasteful ministry by 40 percent, which would accomidate a senate rather than one individual as the head of this ministry).

Licenses granted to imams, priests, or religious scholars for speeches or seminars would have fees associated with them, which would also pay for having monitors (undercover agents) who would be present at meetings.

If seditious talk or radical ideology was found, then the meeting could be closed down and all those associated with running the event arrested and tried for terrorism and sedition against Indonesia.

I think if the bill is passed and the antiterror laws are overhauled, we can start hitting back.

Deddy
Jakarta