New initiative to guide former members of Jemaah Islamiyah in Indonesia away from extremism

Key Concepts:

• Jemaah Islamiyah (JI): A disbanded terrorist organization formerly active in Indonesia.
• Pesantren: Islamic boarding schools in Indonesia.
• Operational Permit: Official authorization from the Ministry of Religious Affairs for Pesantren to operate.
• Wasatiyah: Moderate Islam.
• Counter-Extremism: Efforts to combat extremist ideologies.
• Special Detachment 88 (Densus 88): Indonesia's police counter-terrorism unit.
• Rumah Wasatia: A place for dialogue and discussion related to ideology.

Ar-Rahmah Islamic Boarding School:

• Located in Nyawi Regency, East Java, it's a girl's only institution with over 450 students.
• Formerly affiliated with Jemaah Islamiyah (JI).
• After JI's disbandment, the school erected a flagpole to fly the Indonesian flag, instilling patriotism and civic pride.
• Marked Indonesia's Independence Day for the first time last year and is preparing to do so again on August 17th.
• Received its operational permit from the Ministry of Religious Affairs in 2021.
• The school's contribution to the nation should not be questioned, as they are actively participating in educating the nation.

Alan Islamic Boarding School:

• Located in Madun City, East Java, and also previously linked to JI.
• Recently joined the free nutritious meal program launched in January, demonstrating acceptance of state programs.
• In the process of obtaining an operational permit.
• Obtaining an operational permit will allow the school to contribute more formally and potentially receive government funding for education.

Ministry of Religious Affairs' Assessment:

• Assessing 30 Pesantren with past JI links for operational permits.
• The process is not rushed to ensure that schools meet all requirements and are loyal to the nation.
• Ensuring the safety of the nation is paramount, and Pesantren must be dedicated to the country.

Para Wijayanto's Role:

• JI's former head, released on parole in May.
• Engaged in counter-extremism efforts by meeting with terror convicts in maximum security prisons.
• Met with leaders from Muhammadiyah and Nahdatul Ulama to collaborate on improving Pesantren curriculums.
• The goal is to develop curriculums that promote wasatiyah (moderate Islam).

Police Counter-Terrorism Unit (Densus 88) Perspective:

• Former JI members have largely kept their commitment to abandon their ideology.
• Supports ongoing efforts toward moderation.
• The Rumah Wasatia provides a platform for open dialogue and discussion about ideology.
• Direct engagement and discussion are more effective than symbolic gestures.

Conclusion:

The transition from militancy to moderation is an ongoing process for Pesantren once linked to JI. Sustained support is crucial as they work to overcome their troubled past. Education is being used as a tool for nation-building, promoting unity rather than division.