Densus 88 Warns of the Threat of Radical Ideology Spreading on Campuses
Detachment 88 (Densus 88) Antiteror of the Indonesian National Police, in collaboration with universities, is working to prevent the spread of radicalism and intolerance among youth and student groups.
One of the collaborations undertaken by Densus 88 is the National Dialogue event held at STAIN Majene, West Sulawesi, on Thursday (7/5).
Head of the Densus 88 Regional Task Force for West Sulawesi, AKBP Soffan Ansyari, stated that higher education institutions have a strategic role in instilling national ideology and preventing the growth of intolerance, radicalism, and terrorism among the younger generation.
He emphasised that preventing the spread of terrorist ideology requires joint efforts from all elements of society to ensure no gaps are exploited by perpetrators.
According to him, vigilance against the spread of intolerant and radical ideologies must be continuously strengthened. One way to achieve this is through education in school environments.
“The importance of synergy among all elements of society in strengthening national values, tolerance, and vigilance against the spread of intolerant, radical, and terrorist ideologies to maintain security stability and national unity,” he said.
On the same occasion, Deputy Head of the Counter-Radicalism Sub-Directorate of the Prevention Directorate of Densus 88 Antiteror Polri, Kompol Ridjoko Suseno, explained the development of radicalism and the importance of early prevention steps, especially in digital spaces and bureaucratic environments.
Through this dialogue, he hopes to build collective awareness among the community and students so they can become agents of peace and unity.
“And play an active role in efforts to prevent and detect early the spread of intolerant, radical, and terrorist ideologies,” he clarified.
Meanwhile, the Secretary of West Sulawesi Province, Junda Maulana, appreciated the dialogue event as a form of synergy between local government, security apparatus, and educational institutions in strengthening national values.
“This event is a positive synergy between local government, apparatus, and educational institutions in strengthening national values as well as preventing intolerance, radicalism, and terrorism,” he stated.
The dialogue event, attended by 300 students, was filled with interactive discussion sessions with speakers on the threats of terrorism spreading amid advancements in technology and digital media.