"The most important thing is making IS a common enemy," he said while visiting a back-to-basics training session at the Diponegoro IV Military Command.

"The Army's role is through Babinsa who must work closely with the local police and heads of community units [RW] and neighborhood units [RT] in monitoring their surroundings."

Gatot told the soldiers that Babinsa must cooperate with the police's security and public order non-commissioned officers (Babinkamtibmas) to empower villagers.

"For example, we must reenforce the regulation that a guest must report to the authorities when staying for at least 24 hours in a neighborhood," he said.

He said it was a fact that many residents did not know their societal environment.

"Residents mostly do not know that their neighbors are alleged terrorist suspects until the police'€™s Densus 88 [counterterrorism unit] raids a house in the neighborhood," he said.

"Therefore, Babinsa must be more active in mingling within the neighborhood. He can have a chat with residents, ojek [motorcycle taxi] drivers and farmers."

Babinsa could also ask residents to file reports with the authorities if they felt something fishy was going on.

"For example, if there is anyone inviting residents to take part in a free umrah [minor haj] pilgrimage, Babinsa must be alert," said Gatot.

"Performing umrah is not cheap as it costs between Rp 15 million and Rp 20 million."

Gatot said it would be acceptable if the invitation came from a philanthropist but not otherwise. (nvn)(+++)

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