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| Gonda Yumitro, SIP. MA. Ph.D. a lecturer of International Relationship Stydu Program (Photo : Special) |
It is not easy for ex-terrorist to return to society. Several challenges often become obstacles. From a social point of view, some people still have suspicions about ex-terrorists. Even some former terrorists choose to move away and do not return to their hometowns. This was stated by Gonda Yumitro, SIP. MA. Ph.D. as a lecturer of the International Relationship Study Program at the University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM).
According to him, The public's attitude of keeping a distance from ex-terrorists allows them to return to their radical groups. Moreover, some ex-terrorists were initially involved with radical groups due to socialization. "Secondly, from the economic point of view. The majority of these ex-terrorists have economic problems. There are various factors, including lack of education," he said.
He is researching the comprehensive collaboration model of deradicalization of former terrorists in East Java, mainly through a socio-economic approach. Gonda once heard from a former terrorist that he only went to school for a few years before entering prison. Then when they were released from prison, they realized they were limited economically and skill-wise. Yet their lives must go on.
"This creates an opportunity for active terrorist networks to invite him back with the offer of economic assistance," he continued.
According to Gonda, the terrorist network in Malang is quite strong. In fact, Malang is a very strategic location. The reason is that Malang is known as a city of education, and terrorists want to find cadres. Second, Malang is known as a tourist city. This condition allows terrorists to move freely and coordinate because the social control of the community is lower.
"For example they want to rent a villa for coordinating, people will think that they just a people who want to travel around," he said.
Gonda also emphasized that the deradicalization program, or neutralizing thoughts for individuals exposed to radicalism, requires the cooperation of all parties. Not only government and society social and economic approaches must also be applied.
"These ex-terrorists should not be casually released, because they understand terrorist ideology and know their networks. Socially, there must be a change in the way to treat them, including economically. If people have problems with the economy, then others will also have problems. Because some people who kill, rob and others are caused by economic factors," he said.
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The terrorist problem is not as simple as it seems. Many people think of them as rude, murderous people who use all possible means in life. However, this is not the truth. They go through a long process to become terrorists. Many factors, such as family, education, economy, socialization, and others, underlie them.
"I often invite former terrorists to class to share their stories. The goal is for students to anticipate that those who become terrorists were not there of their own free will," explains Gonda, who has been studying terrorism for 11 years. (Put/Dev/Wil).
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