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| The head of the National Counter-Terrorism Agency (BNPT) Komjen Pol. Dr. Boy Rafli Amar, M.H., and Rector of UMM Dr. Fauzan, M.Pd. (Photo: Haqi PR UMM) |
Terrorist acts often sell narratives under the guise of religion. Terrorism and religion are entirely unrelated—the head of the National Counter-Terrorism Agency (BNPT), Komjen Pol. Dr. Boy Rafli Amar, M.H., during his visit to the University of Muhammadiyah Malang last Wednesday (6/7).
Furthermore, Boy explained that terrorists use religion to make their politics successful. Usually, the terrorists enter these destructive ideologies through several studies that are routinely held. "To overcome this, we are working with the ulama in Indonesia to overcome the confusion of religious values they bring. One of the scholars we always ask for opinions is Buya Syafii Maarif," explained the man born in Jakarta.
In addition to the misuse of religious narratives, Boy also explains some characteristics that terrorists usually carry. These characteristics include anti-humanity, use of extreme violence, and transnational ideology, even with issues of intolerance, radicals, exclusion, anti-state constitution, and the ideology of Pancasila.
"Terrorists also have some propaganda patterns that they usually use. The first is the anti-Pancasila attitude which leads to the indecision of the state's foundation. The second is takfiri teaching, which disbelieves people of different religions and ideologies. Third, there is an exclusive attitude towards the environment or change. Then the last one is the teachings of intolerance towards diversity and plurality," said Boy.
Furthermore, Boy said that according to the Urvey Alvara Research survey in 2020, as many as 30 million Indonesians could potentially be exposed to radicalism. In addition to increasing the role of religious leaders, there is a need for synergy between all societal elements. "We always strive to strengthen national values, one of which is through events held on some campuses. We are sure that the narrative of the collaboration we built with UMM will produce positive results," he concluded.
On the other hand, Rector UMM Dr. Fauzan, M.Pd., said that UMM always involved various interfaith community groups in running the university. The collaboration was built to foster awareness among students and academics that Indonesia can progress with good cooperation between groups.
"To avoid the entry of hostile ideologies, we have also tried various things. One of them is assistance to existing religious activities. In addition, we also work with various elements of society to assist students and report suspicious things or activities," he concluded. (cdr/syi/wil)
