The discussion about terrorism is no longer a national issue but has become an essential global discussion. Terrorism has had a broad impact, not only in the political and military fields but also economically, socially and culturally. In the search for identity in modernization and globalization, terrorism is no longer relevant, primarily if it is based on religious motives. The rise of terrorism is most likely, caused by the powerlessness of religion to embrace the challenges and the massive flow of modernization and globalization. Instead of bringing peace and distributing justice, industrialization and globalization have created violence and oppression.
Radicalism has recently attracted religion, especially Islam, in inevitable situations and conditions from the notion of connectivity between Islam and violence. The Islam that was presented carrying the mission of peace was damaged by acts of terror and radicalism by some individuals claiming to “fight for” Islam. Radicalism has a solid relationship with terrorism, both acts of violence and threats to human life.
Indonesia, which adheres to the principles of democracy, wants freedom of ideology for its people. However, the state has the right to force its citizens to adopt the same ideology nationally. In contrast, every individual has the right to freedom of ideology. So there is a tug of war between personal ideology and communal ideology.
In Indonesia, the National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT) has a strategic role in educating the public about the dangers of radicalism and terrorism. Meanwhile, the police agency and Densus 88 are the executors of the perpetrators exposed to the ideology of terrorism. During the two periods of President Joko Widodo’s leadership, the issue of radicalism has become the primary concern of national problems to be resolved immediately.
Based on data from the Global Terrorism Index (GTI) 2020, Indonesia is ranked fourth in the Asia Pacific region most affected by terrorism. GTI said religious extremism was a driving factor in terrorist attacks in several countries, such as Pakistan, India, Indonesia, the Philippines, and others.
The Internet Role
The existence of the Internet is an essential part for humans in shaping the paradigm of thinking, actions, behaviour, and the basic needs of life. Terrorism and suicide bombings often use the latest technology with various social networks.
Internet-based media play a prominent role in providing information to the public, especially young people, against radical ideologies. Unfortunately, organizations affiliated with terrorist ideologies have utilized technology to make it easier to spread propaganda and recruit potential members via the Internet.
On the other hand, Internet-based media also plays a crucial role in countering and providing information to the public on issues of radicalism. So that people can take action to prevent the development of extremist movements. Provide an understanding of moderate Islam to stem the tide of radicalism ideology that threatens diversity.
In the context of violence in the name of religion, the media plays a vital role in spreading the ideology of radicalism to influence the masses to support their opinions and ideas. Moreover, many extremists take advantage of the momentum of a country’s socio-political chaos to make their terror ambitions a success.
One of the patterns of acts of terrorism in Indonesia is using cyberterrorism, namely the use of computers and Internet networks by terrorist groups in carrying out the radicalization processes, breaking into the financial system, and controlling transportation means such as trains and aeroplanes.
The Internet is no longer just a technological innovation in communication information networks. Still, it has been transformed into a medium for the power of certain political ideologies. The shift to the realm of social media carried out by terrorist groups aims to build interactions to appear more trendy, more touching on the target, and demographically social media users are the younger generation.
From 2017 until June 2021, Indonesia’s Ministry of Communication and Information (aka. Kominfo) has blocked as many as 21,330 radicalisms and terrorism content on various digital sites and platforms. Kominfo has a mission to consistently maintain and maintain the security of the digital space from the charge of terrorism radicalism that threatens the Republic of Indonesia. Of course, community participation is needed to unite against terrorist movements that threaten life and the surrounding environment. Acts of terrorism are not only shameful for religion which is imaged as legalizing crime or violence, but also on behalf of a nation that does not reflect as a peaceful country.
It is difficult to completely eradicate the ideology of radicalism and terrorism. However, the role of the Internet can at least be controlled for prevention, not as a medium for spreading the ideology of terrorism. Moderate clerics with adequate knowledge capabilities are much needed for an Islamic campaign that is rahmatan lil ‘alamin.
Note: translate by editor from https://www.duniasantri.co/geliat-gerakan-terorisme-di-media-sosial/.