INDONESIANS WARNED OF ISIS INFILTRATION

Jakarta, 12 Syawwal 1435/8  August 2014 (MINA) – The Indonesian people are being alerted over the infiltration of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS)s ideology, which could cause disintegration, conflict, and disharmony in the country.

Various parties have also called on the people to prevent the spread of the ISIS influence following an ISIS video propaganda uploaded in the YouTube. Through the 7:32 minute video, the ISIS activists have offered a chance to Indonesians to join ranks in developing a “Daulah Islamiah” (Islamic state).

“As a Muslim, I call on the Indonesian Muslims to not let themselves be provoked by the ISIS propaganda, which has entered Indonesia,” former chairman of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Hasyim Muzadi said in a written statement on Sunday, Antaranews quoted by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) as reporting.

Meanwhile, the Indonesian Council of Ulemas (MUI) for Central Kalimantan has issued an alert of possible infiltration by ISIS members. “We need to be on alert, as ISIS ideology must not infiltrate into our region,” MUI Secretary for Central Kalimantan H Syamsuri Yusuf said.

The ideology of ISIS runs against Islam’s teachings and the country’s Pancasila ideology and also has radicals condoning the use of violence in its struggle that is against Islamic principles.

The Indonesian Defense Forces (TNI) Commander Gen. Moeldoko stressed that the ISIS should not penetrate Indonesia, as it could create disintegration and conflict among the people.

“It is a serious matter. There should be no room for the ISIS to exist in Indonesia,” the TNI commander said during a post-fasting gathering at the TNI Headquarters in Cilangkap, East Jakarta, on Monday.

He said the presence of ISIS in Indonesia would pose a threat as it could cause division among people. “Disturbances will arise if it develops in the country. The nation could face the danger of disintegration,” the TNI chief said.

Hence, former NU leader Hasyim Muzadi called on the Indonesian Muslims to not be provoked, let alone join and support the movement. He said the Indonesian Muslims, especially NU members, should not support the ISIS and avoid issues that could divide Muslims.

“The ISIS is a new Islamic phenomenon in the Middle East, which is by no means suited to Indonesian principles and Islamic princiles,” Hasyim Muzadi said.

The former chairman of the NU, Indonesias largest Muslim organization, said Indonesia should be cautious because since the reforms era the seeds or embryo of radicalism had been planted in the country, either through mass organizations, movements that had entered the country’s system, or through the medium of terror.

“I believe if the embryo are cultivated using a mixture of the ISIS issue and of the rift emerging after presidential election, it will help nurture transnational movements radicalism, which will endanger the safety of the Indonesian Muslims and the integrity of the Unitary State of Indonesia,” he stressed.

The National Agency for Terrorism Prevention (BNPB) has stated that any citizen supporting ISIS will face criminal charges, in line with Article 33 of Law No. 12 of 2006 regarding Indonesian citizenship.

It states that radical and terrorist groups including ISIS are serious threats to Indonesia, and in view of that, it has called on all elements to be on alert for possible presence of radical ideologies like the one implemented by ISIS and for its eradication.

According to Hasyim Muzadi, the Indonesian Muslims had better follow Islamic ideology adopted by Indonesia, rather than following those that claim to be the most Islamic, but could justify their actions only for the sake of their group.

“The Prophet has never taught Muslims to justify all means. In Islamic history, this is similar to “Khawarij” Group, which holds the principle that they are allowed to destroy anything that is against their will. This group was contrary to Islamic principles,” the NU former leader said.

Therefore, to prevent people from being influenced by the ISIS ideology, the Indonesian government has been urged to block Internet access of the ISIS video in an effort to prevent the spread of terrorism and violent propagation of religion in the country.

“We appeal to the government to block the video. Communications and Informatics Minister Tifatul Sembiring has not yet taken necessary action. The video was uploaded in the YouTube offering a chance to join the movement of the ISIS,” legislator Helmy Fauzi of Commission I on foreign affairs of the House of Representatives (DPR) said on Monday.

Helmy said the Ministry of Communications and Informatics should take proactive steps in preventing terror acts, for example, by monitoring the activities of Internet accounts, websites, and videos that could be used as a means of propaganda by radical and terrorist groups.

“Action should be taken against websites or social media channels that abuse the Internet and endanger national interest. Action needs to be taken without waiting for a complaint or an objection from other parties,” he said.

Earlier, Ismail Cawidu, the spokesman of the Ministry of Communications and Informatics, said his ministry could not block the ISIS video as this action first required a complaint from other institutions.

According to Ismail, several ministries and relevant institutions are available that have the rights to lodge complaints, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; the office of the Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs; and the Ministry of Law and Human Rights.

A communications and informatics minister must have the sensitivity in anticipating abuses of social media or cyber networks by terror groups. “Fighting against terrorism needs the involvement of all sides, including proactive steps by the Ministry of Communications and Informatics,” the legislators stressed.

He said the involvement of the state in the cyber world was essential to maintain national interest. “The involvement of the state in the cyber world or social media network is not intended to restrict democratic practices but to prevent the spread of hatred and propaganda, which could harm the interest of the nation,” Helmy asserted.(T/Syt/E01)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)