China
21:15, 23-Jul-2017
Indonesia launches school program to combat extremism
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Indonesia’s National Counterterrorism Agency is stepping up efforts to combat extremism in the country.
It is working on launching a nationwide program which includes de-radicalization subjects in schools.
In North Sumatra, an Islamic boarding school for the children of terrorists aims to tackle radicalism with an important tool – education.
Khairul Ghazali, a former terrorist, used to be a part of an organization that was involved in one of the biggest bank robbery cases in Medan, North Sumatra.
But today, he is a changed man.
In an effort to stop radicalization from spreading across the country, Khairul founded the school and uses his own money to provide free education and accommodation for the children of terrorists.
Currently 20 students are enrolled.
Indonesia suffers from multiple terrorist attacks in recent years. Police officers search for dangerous materials on the site of bomb explosion at Kampung Melayu bus station, Jakarta on May 24, 2017. /VCG photo
Indonesia suffers from multiple terrorist attacks in recent years. Police officers search for dangerous materials on the site of bomb explosion at Kampung Melayu bus station, Jakarta on May 24, 2017. /VCG photo
In Indonesia, as children of militant group members, the students here have been exposed to radical values from a young age.
Most of the children here have been left alone as many of their parents are in prison.
Education remains the most important tool in Indonesia’s fight against terrorism.
The government is encouraging more schools to include de-radicalization subjects to reshape the values and beliefs of the younger generation and to strengthen Indonesia’s image as a diverse and tolerant Muslim-majority country.
4467km