REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, RIYADH -- Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) said history has thaught the world that weapons and military forces alone will not be able to combat terrorism. Therefore, he advocates implementation of religious and cultural approach in combating terrorism.
"For a deradicalisation program, for example, the Indonesian authorities involve the community, the family, including the families of former terrorist convicts who have repented and community organizations," said Jokowi at Arab Islamic America Summit at Conference Hall King Abdulaziz Convention Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Sunday.
According to Jokowi, erroneous thinking can only be changed by the right way of thinking. Indonesia believed in the importance of balancing hard-power with soft-power approaches.
"In addition to the hard-power approach, Indonesia also prioritizes the soft-power approach through religious and cultural approaches," he remarked.
Jokowi said in the counter-radicalization program, Indonesian authorities also recruiting young netizens with many followers to spread the message of peace.
"We also involve the two largest Islamic organizations in Indonesia, namely Muhammadiyah and Nahdlatul Ulama, to continue to advocate a peaceful and tolerant Islam," said the President.
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