UNAIR NEWS – The emerging issue of radicalism in the campus has invited many comments. This is due to the arrest of suspected terrorists in several campuses in Indonesia. However, it cannot be used as a reason that campus is the hotbed of radicalism.

Head of Student Executive Board (BEM) period 2017/2018 Anang Fajrul Ukhwaluddin responded to the issue. According to him, the campus as a radicalism nest is a baseless claim. However, that statement or issue was not accompanied by attachment or evidence of the source of data and when the National Agency for Combating Terrorism (BNPT) conducted the research on radicalism on campus.

“The statement that said that campus as a radicalism nest is just a mere issue,” he said.

Anang also said that what made the campus labeled as a radicalism nest was some arrests on students in campuses who were following jihadist sermon group. For example, in some of the largest campuses in East Java, students were arrested for following jihadist sermon group in 2015.

“This kind of group is exclusive and implemented around the student’s residence,” he added.

Furthermore, Anang revealed that Hizbut Tahrir Indonesia (HTI) which is considered radical by the government has a division for students. Anang said it was named Gema Pembebasan. It may also be the reason why campuses are branded as a radicalism nest.

Regarding who is responsible for the emergence this issue, Anang said that it is a personal responsibility because the campus institutionally has never directed its activities towards radicalism.

“But, the campus also remains obliged to provide comfort for all academicians not to be affected by the issue,” added UNAIR Political Science student.

Anang also said how to make campus not seen as a radicalism nest. According to him, the campus must carry out a discussion of nationalism or deradicalization. In addition, students should always excel and follow the course as they should be.

“Making achievements and keep studying citizenship and Pancasila is keeping the campus’s good reputation from radicalism,” he concluded. (*)

Author: M. Najib Rahman

Editor: Feri Fenoria Rifai