Agus Maryono, Banyumas – The Banyumas chapter of Barisan Ansor Serbaguna (Banser), the youth wing of Indonesia's largest Muslim organization, Nahdlatul Ulama, has condemned recent deadly terror attacks in Jakarta during a rally in Purwokerto, Central Java.
Hundreds of Banser members at the rally rolled out posters emblazoned with messages not only voicing strong criticism of the Islamic State (IS) group but also of other radical groups, as they marched from Alun-alun Purwokerto through the city streets.
Among the messages were "Go to hell terrorists!", "We are Banser Banyumas: Not afraid of you ISIS!", "Let's reject the Khilafah [a global Islamic state]! It damages NKRI [the Unitarian State of the Republic of Indonesia]", "Banser Banyumas is ready to fight ISIS and terrorism in Indonesia", and "NKRI is forever".
"Jakarta, we, the Banser Banyumas, condemn violent acts and terrorism perpetrated against the Indonesian people and nation," Banser Banyumas commander Slamet Ibnu Ansori told the press on Saturday.
Seven people including two civilians were killed and more than 20 people were injured in the suicide bombing and gun attacks in front of shopping mall Sarinah in Jakarta on Thursday.
Slamet said Banser Banyumas was ready to fight against radicalism and terrorism, including that perpetrated by ISIS, in Indonesia.
"Don't fear, don't be afraid. All Indonesian people must be optimistic and ready to work together to fight against any form of terrorism and radicalism in Indonesia," he said.
The young NU leader further said Banser Banyumas would disseminate information on the characteristics of radical and terrorist movements and their dangers to the people with the hope that its followers can better understanding ideologies not in line with Islamic teaching.
He said radical movements currently perpetrating attacks in Indonesia and other countries around the world were claiming to carry out their heinous acts on behalf Islam, while in fact, their acts were not in line with Islamic teaching. Some such organizations, he said, worked openly, while others moved underground.
Slamet called on members of all organizations claiming to be based on Islam but not acknowledging the Pancasila, the 1945 Constitution and the NKRI to immediately repent and ask God for forgiveness. "If they don't want to repent [to God], we hope they immediately leave this country," he said.
The NU activist further said all Indonesian people should remain vigilant against various forms of clandestine radical and terrorist movements, which were disguised as social or religious organizations although in fact have a mission of establishing an Islamic state.
Slamet said Banser Banyumas was ready to help the government and security authorities tackle and anticipate movements of such groups. "If needed, those organizations must be dissolved. The government must be firm in disbanding any [such] organization.(ebf)