Liza Yosephine, Jakarta – It is estimated some 50 convicted terrorists continue to resist the government's prison deradicalization efforts, a top counterterrorism official has said.
"There are still 50 people who burden us. We are thinking about how psychologists and ulema [Muslim religious leaders] can reach out to them. We are also trying to find other ways of connecting with them, including by taking care of their families and children," National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT) chief Comr. Gen. Suhardi Alius said on Thursday.
Suhardi was speaking during a hearing with House Commission III overseeing law, human rights and legal affairs, about the progress of the agency's prison deradicalization program. The program was implemented in March this year after the government identified 242 convicted terrorists who continued to hold radical ideas.
The program, which extends throughout 70 prisons and two detention centers, is divided into four levels, depending on the progress of the deradicalization process, Suhardi said.
Level one means that the terrorists refuse to follow the program. The 50 convicted terrorists highlighted by Suhardi fall into this category.
Meanwhile, around 63 convicted terrorists are categorized as belonging to level two. Level two means that the terrorists meet with authorities, but refuse to engage in deradicalization.
However, Suhardi remains optimistic, noting that over 100 people have complied with the program so far.
Level three means that the terrorists cooperate with authorities, but refrain from inviting other radicals to join in the program. Level four is reserved for those who have progressed in the deradicalization process and are also open to inviting others to participate in the program, Suhardi said. (evi)