Preventing Radicalism: UIN Jakarta's Faculty of Ushuluddin Hosts Collaborative Dialogue with RRI and Densus 88
H.A.R. Partosentono Theater, UIN Online News — UIN Jakarta, through its Faculty of Ushuluddin, in collaboration with RRI (Radio Republik Indonesia) and Densus 88 (Indonesia's counter-terrorism unit), held a collaborative dialogue themed “Collaboration for Peace: Media, Youth, and Deradicalization Efforts” at the H.A.R. Partosentono Theater on Wednesday (June 18, 2025). This event aimed to provide insights to students and the public on preventing radicalism through the synergy of media, academics, and security forces.
The event, moderated by Fahmi Andryan, was attended by UIN Jakarta students and academics, including Dean of the Faculty of Ushuluddin Prof. Drs. Ismatu Ropi, M.A., Ph.D., and featured four speakers: Head of News Center LLP RRI Besty Charmin Simatupang, Faculty of Ushuluddin Lecturer Dr. Hj. Yuminah Rahmatullah, M.A., deradicalization activist Ustaz Sofyan Sauri, and Unit 1 Counter-Ideology Densus 88 Polri Police Commissioner Agus Isnaini, M.Si.
Dean of the Faculty of Ushuluddin, Prof. Drs. Ismatu Ropi, M.A., Ph.D., expressed appreciation for the collaboration in preventing radicalism. “This collaboration is an effort to raise awareness among the younger generation about the importance of critical thinking and understanding religion correctly as a form of preventing radicalism,” he stated.
Furthermore, Besty Charmin Simatupang underlined that the media has a great responsibility in preventing the spread of radical ideologies among youth. She believes that youth hold the key to the nation's progress, so if their integrity is fragile and easily infiltrated by certain groups, the continuity of the state itself is threatened.
"The role of the media, especially for youth and students, is very important because the progress of this nation is etched in the hands of the youth. RRI hopes to provide positive learning and then be able to ward off unnecessary ideologies," she said.
RRI, Besty continued, serves as an institution that shelters and provides enlightenment to the community, while also providing socialization and input to young people to prevent the impact of radical ideologies through the strength of faith, unity, and solid education.
On the same occasion, Ustaz Sofyan Sauri, a former member of a radical group, revealed that the radicalization process can happen quickly and unconsciously. “The process begins with intolerance, which is a hatred for those who are different, then develops into radicalism, feeling superior and rejecting diversity. If left unchecked, this can lead to extremism and terrorism,” he explained.
In addition, he highlighted the role of social media as a massive and uncontrolled means of spreading radicalism. “Someone can be exposed to radicalism just through a cellphone without face-to-face interaction. Therefore, parents need to monitor and guide their children in using social media and choosing their social circles,” Ustaz Sofyan added.
In line with this, Dr. Hj. Yuminah Rahmatullah, M.A., stated that radical groups often target youth because of their age characteristics, which include seeking identity, tending to be idealistic, and having high curiosity.
“Youth are targets because they are in a phase of searching for life's direction. Groups like Negara Islam Indonesia (NII) exploit this loophole with an approach through Sharia, Tarbiyah, and Maliyah programs,” Yuminah explained.
She emphasized that movements like NII often infiltrate religious communities with narratives that appear moderate at first, but ultimately instill ideologies that justify violence against groups deemed different.
In BNPT data presented by Police Commissioner Agus Isnaini, M.Si., it was found that 11.7% of Indonesian society has been exposed to radical ideologies, while 88.3% are still in good condition. The current minimal occurrence of terror incidents is due to the synergy of various parties implementing two main prevention approaches: law enforcement and educational campaigns.
"If we look at the statistics, there are 11.7% radical people in Indonesia. And there are 88.3% of Indonesians who are actually good, and we are maintaining that 88.3% of Indonesians with the campaigns being carried out," he explained.
This dialogue is a collaborative effort to prevent the spread of radical ideologies among youth. With the synergy between education, media, religious figures, and security forces, it is hoped that the younger generation will be more critical and resilient against extremist narratives in both the real world and digital space.
(Watch the full event via Live YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/live/-2I2RzNkZxo?si=ZJi1voT3FlAwp4l4)
(Sabila Weliza/Fauziah M./Noen Indah S./Photo: Live Youtube)