Agenda Following Rejection of ex-ISIS Combatants

KOMPAS/RADITYA HELABUMI

A banner rejecting terrorism is installed as a group of people stage an action calling for the refusal of the repatriation of around 600 Indonesians who joined the Islamic State (IS) group in Iraq and Syria (IS) at the National Monument area, Jakarta, Monday (10/2/2020). The government is expected to take the best policy to protect citizens in Indonesia in relation to the controversy over the issue of returning Indonesian ex-IS combatants. Radicalism has no place to grow in Indonesia.

The government’s firm decision to refuse to repatriate former Indonesian combatants of Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), and to consider the possible repatriation of women and under-10 children, have gained widespread public support. A Kompas public opinion poll (17 Feb. 2020) showed that 61.5 percent respondents disagreed with repatriating ex-ISIS Indonesian citizens, while 32.8 percent agreed and the rest did not know.

Nevertheless, the government agenda following its decision not to repatriate former ISIS combatants is far more complex and intricate, and requires dedicated long-term efforts. This is because the ISIS breed of radicalism is a movement that is oriented towards a utopian principle that blends primordial sentiments regarding race, ethnicity and religion, as well as exclusive nationalism to give it ideological legitimacy.

The use of primordial sentiments as a tool to seize state power has become a global phenomenon.

The use of primordial sentiments as a tool to seize state power has become a global phenomenon. The idea is very effective, because it comes packaged with the reality of widening socioeconomic inequalities and growing oligarchical power of the political elite. Identity politics has even led to social enmity.

This is not a new phenomenon, with Robert Michels introducing in 1911 the “iron law of oligarchy” concept in Political Parties. The classic theory remains topical as oligarchy pervades politics in both the global and domestic realms. Over the last decade, the oligarchical bent among the ruling elite has strengthened. As a consequence, public confidence in political parties, public representatives and regional administrations has declined considerably. The tragedy of democracy has arisen because traditional political institutions are corrupt, further marginalizing ordinary people.

KOMPAS/RADITYA HELABUMI

A man writes a message while participating in a demonstration calling for the refusal of the repatriation of around 600 Indonesians who joined the Islamic State (IS) group in Iraq and Syria (IS) at the National Monument area, Jakarta, Monday (10/2/2020). The Indonesian government has decided not to repatriate former IS combatants.

Radicalism is becoming increasingly widespread as a result of the populist wave and the demise of common sense, strangled by post-truth politics. Public debate has become very complicated and is apt to get lost in idioms that obscure logic. Lies are twisted into alternative truths. They also dig deep into “philosophical” generalizations by using glib terms that confuse substance, such as in debating the essence of truth by relativizing truth into several types: the empirical, the dogmatic and the mathematical.

The lack of confidence in public institutions has prompted people to seek their own alternatives.

The lack of confidence in public institutions has prompted people to seek their own alternatives. Instant happiness is the easiest and most simplistic answer, as long as they are prepared to die for the promise of heavenly bliss. Religious legitimization is needed for this purpose to facilitate the use of anarchic doctrines as the voice of conscience. The greater the rate of institutional decline, the easier the public will be affected by ressentiment, a feeling that encompasses self-doubt, disappointment and extreme hatred. Sentiments that destroy harmony become permanent as a result of education that deadens the sense, perception and enjoyment of harmonious life, alongside the internalization of misleading religious teachings.

The threat is very serious. Therefore, the government agenda is to empower the public with civil competence. The core plan is to develop the “militant spirit” of the younger generation so they possess the high moral standing needed to maintain and safeguard harmony while elevating coexistence. The level of their “militant spirit” should be higher than that of the radical groups that threaten the nation, state and civilization with extinction.

KOMPAS/WAWAN H PRABOWO

General chairperson of the Nahdatul Ulama Executive Board (PBNU), Said Aqiel Siradj (third right), receives a visit from Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi at the Jakarta PBNU Office on Tuesday (11/2/2020). During the meeting, Minister Retno Marsudi asked the PBNU for input on Indonesia\'s foreign policy, which supports Palestinian independence and the issue of the return of Indonesian citizens who joined Islamic State (IS) group from Syria.

Education should start from the pre-rational age, usually referred to as early education. At this age, children’s feelings and sensitivities can be developed toward embracing pleasure in the beauty of harmony, concord, regularity, orderliness, justice, simplicity and openness. Their experience in the enjoyment of noble desires, cultivated from an early age, will become an ingrained habit (habitus) so that their behavior is determined “automatically”.

KUM

J Kristiadi

Good and wise deeds become as normal as breathing; there is no need for them to think as they act properly. One of the effective formulas for nurturing children’s mentality is having good role models in the people around them, especially their parents. Failing to forming their mental orientation from an early age will leave their rationality open to enslavement by animal lust and instincts, which can make them aggressive so they prey on each other.

J. KRISTIADI, Senior Researcher, Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)