REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) hopes the public will not be caught off guard by the movement of radical groups, such as Hizbut Tahrir Indonesia (HTI). This is because they are always trying to find new ways to support their propaganda.

Muhammad Najih Arromadloni, director of the Institute for Human Resources Studies and Development of PBNU, said that the same radical movement that has shunned local culture and wisdom is now using music concerts and stand up comedy to appeal to the public at large.

“Groups that carry the ideology of the caliphate like HTI will continue to move to influence society as well as the younger generation, with various forms and maneuvers of their movement,” said Gus Najih, greeting his relatives, in a press release in Jakarta, Tuesday (27/2/2024)

He argued that moderate and pro-diversity groups could use more diverse techniques to combat Khilafah propaganda. Differentiation in approach to society can be a powerful way to counteract radicalism.

In terms of attracting people's interest, according to Gus Najih, sometimes moderate groups have not been able to keep pace with radical movements. In fact, there is an urgency for moderate groups to also fall within the same content distribution segment.

“Moderate groups should not only use traditional or conventional ways, but also be able to enter into segments that are the favorites of the younger generation,” said Gus Najih.

Isra Mi'raj's memorial wrapped in a grand event themed “Metamorphoshow: It's Time to be Ummah” at Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII), East Jakarta, on Saturday (17/2/2024) is alleged to be a means for the banned organization to support and caderize Indonesia's young generation. About 1,200 young people attended the event held by HTI.

According to Gus Najih, the organization of Metamorphoshow shows, HTI is able to pack its approach to the Indonesian people with more attractive packaging than ever before. He invited the community together to watch their movements.

Another equally important point for confronting various radical groups, he added, is the government's performance through the Ministry of Communications and Informatics (Kemenkominfo) to withdraw radical content that actually aims to weaken the country's image in the eyes of the people.

Thus, Gus Najih hoped that stability in public perception could be achieved and that society would not have to be saddled with various unproductive issues. He also reminded that although HTI has officially been dissolved, but various YouTube channels and social media accounts that continue to actively provoke and agitate the community.

Gus Najih said that HTI and all its derivatives seem to still actively voice activities that are potentially against the law and contain violence. “The government must also make concrete steps through its apparatus, including the Police and the Ministry of Communications to reduce and eliminate all activities and content charged with propaganda of HTI,” Gus Najih said.

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