Ministry of Home Affairs teams up with schools to counter violent extremism

The discussion covered topics from Ramadan to geopolitical dynamics. The Directorate General of Politics and Public Administration (Polpum) of the Ministry of Home Affairs, through the Directorate of National Vigilance, organised a discussion entitled Strengthening the Education Ecosystem and Prevention of Violent Extremism. The event was attended by officials of the Cirebon City Government along with 150 students and guidance counsellors from 25 senior high schools in Cirebon, West Java. The event took place at the Aula of the Secretariat of the Cirebon City Regional Secretariat, on Thursday (5/3). According to the latest data from Densus 88 AT Mabes Polri, school-age groups have become the primary target for the dissemination of dangerous ideologies. Many children who are exposed are not necessarily individuals who intend harm. The Director of National Vigilance, Aang Witarsa, explained that there are four main pillars that schools must build to curb the potential for extremism. The first pillar is friendly, i.e., creating a safe learning environment free from bullying. The second pillar is inclusive, i.e., respecting differences without discrimination against any student. The third pillar is responsive, with a safe and rapid reporting system when problems arise. The final pillar is collaborative, i.e., opening space for dialogue so that students can express themselves positively. ‘Addressing these challenges, a legal (enforcement) approach alone is not enough. Schools have a strategic position as the frontline in early prevention through the concept of a Friendly and Inclusive School,’ said Aang in a statement received on Friday (6/3). Aang also stressed the importance of using social media wisely by filtering every piece of information received. ‘In the current era, social media is the entry door to all information, including the potential influx of content that contains the danger of extremism,’ he added. He emphasised that this activity is expected to strengthen the synergy between government, security agencies, and the educational ecosystem in creating a safe, peaceful educational environment free from the influence of violent extremism. (Medcom/I-1)