REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- As Indonesia is a country where a majority of the population is moderate Muslims, it will never compromise over any form of radicalism and extremism, President Joko Widodo said here on Monday (20/4).
"As a moderate Muslim country, Indonesia will never comprise over radicalism and extremism," he emphasized in an exclusive interview with Antara at the State Palace.
He added that various approaches must be taken, especially with regard to security in areas where radicalism could possibly develop.
These measures are a necessity to prevent the spread of the ideology in the community, which could make the issue latent and more dangerous, he explained.
"Cultural and security approaches must be taken to deal with areas considered vulnerable to radicalism. This ideology must not be allowed to grow," he remarked.
Having mass organizations, moderate Islamic organizations, non-governmental organizations and communities that teach Islam, which is tolerant, peace-loving and full of civility in reality, is an advantage for Indonesia, Jokowi pointed out.
The president further noted that the eradication of misleading ideologies that are capable of leading to terrorist acts is not the responsibility of the government alone, but is that of the society as a whole.
"It is not the government's responsibility alone, but is that of the community, including moderate Islamic organizations like the NU, as well. We benefit a lot from their existence. Other countries have faced difficulties in combating the ideology. We have seen them struggle," he remarked.
The Indonesian head of state also pointed out that the country has been viewed by others in the Middle East as one that has been able to settle problems related to radicalism and extremism with its different approaches.
"All countries face the issues of radicalism and extremism. Thank God, we have been seen as a country capable of settling them with different approaches, which involved both security and cultural measures," he stated.
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