recidivists

Indonesia has been grappling with terrorism and extremist ideologies for years, and the government’s response has evolved, including the implementation of deradicalization programs both inside and outside prisons. Deradicalization is the process of separating an individual, either willingly or involuntarily, from their extremist beliefs. In June 2023, about 76 terrorist perpetrators in Bogor, West Java, pledged their loyalty to Indonesia and Pancasila ideology by raising the Indonesian flag. Kusnali, the Head of the Division of Correctional Services at the Regional Office of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights in West Java, reported a notable annual increase in terrorists expressing allegiance to Indonesia within correctional facilities in the region.

Compared to April and November 2021, 34 terrorist inmates expressed their loyalty to Indonesia, whereas in April and August 2020, only 10 and 37 terrorists, respectively, reaffirmed their loyalty to the country. This number marks the highest record in Indonesia’s history and deserves recognition. Pledging allegiance to Indonesia’s flag and ideology can indicate that some individuals are willing to turn from their extremist beliefs and identify with the nation’s values. However, accurately measuring the level of disengagement presents challenges. Ideology is deeply ingrained in the mind, and complete deradicalization is not guaranteed. Nonetheless, the fact that ex-terrorist inmates are willing to pledge allegiance to Indonesia’s flag suggests a potential pathway to disengagement and reintegration.

The Head of the National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT), Commissioner General Boy Rafli Amar, acknowledges the challenges in implementing deradicalization programs for former terrorist inmates (Napiters). Boy stated that BNPT recorded 116 former terrorist inmates (ex-Napiters) who have become recidivists (repeat offenders) out of 1,036 ex-Napiters. Among these data, 19 recidivists are still confined within correctional facilities (Lapas). This shows that around 10 percent of former terrorist inmates decided to return to their groups and terrorist acts. Considering around 1 out of 10 ex-terrorist inmates will carry out another attack is concerning, posing a threat to public safety and the efficacy of deradicalization efforts within and outside prisons.

One of the examples of recidivism is the Astana Anyar bombing in Bandung, carried out by Agus Sujatno, a former terrorist inmate in 2017 who was arrested due to a pressure cooker bomber (bom panci) and released in 2021. Agus is from the Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD) affiliated with the IS, which is relatively more active in actual attacks, not only terror. A researcher from the Center on Police and Terrorism Studies School of Strategic and Global Studies of Universitas Indonesia Riyanta believes that Agus, stationed in the Super Maximum Security in Nusakambangan, refused to participate in the deradicalization program. Since deradicalization is not compulsory, the government and other sectors may not pressure Agus to participate in such a program, even though they encourage and approach him to do so.

Deradicalization program as countering radicalism and terrorism

In dealing with extremism and terrorism issues, a combination of hard and soft approaches is needed. The hard method includes forced demobilization, incarceration, or death. One of the soft approaches is through a deradicalization program. Deradicalization will involve an increase of confidence in the system, so in this context, the political and social system, such as democracy in Indonesia, and the desire to be part of the society. Pledging to democracy in Indonesia and reintegration into the community are good signs of reintegration; however, some problems, such as the stigmatization of ex-Napiter and terrorist financing, are still challenging.

The Head of BNPT stated that BNPT had implemented deradicalization outside prisoners for around 1912 ex-terrorists in 2022, and a good number of ex-terrorists have also been deradicalized and disengaged through social, psychological, and economic assistance. Building national knowledge, diversity, and tolerance are also some programs in the deradicalization process. The existing program inside and outside prisons aims to foster self-reliance, similar to other correctional facilities. Still, it focuses on personality development, promoting religious awareness, national consciousness, legal awareness, and psychological counseling. The deradicalization will also support disengagement, which involves distancing a person from the activities of their extremist group, or people usually call it the ‘exit’ stage from the groups or acts to become more moderate. It should be noted that someone deradicalized does not always mean they have disengaged, as there will also be a socially-linked factor.

Collaboration and cooperation among various stakeholders are essential for effective deradicalization and reintegration. While the government plays a central role, academics, civil society, private sectors, and the media must support these initiatives. Collaboration can enhance the success of deradicalization efforts, reduce recidivism rates, and provide ex-terrorists with a chance to reintegrate meaningfully into society. High-quality human resources, bridge coordination with each actor, adequate budget, innovative approach, empowering ex-terrorists and their families, and engaging with the community are crucial in these long and sustainable processes.

From a legal perspective in Indonesia, deradicalization is a voluntary program offered to individuals. Consider making the deradicalization program mandatory, like rehabilitation for drug-related cases. The example of Agus Sujatno, who refused to participate in the deradicalization program and later committed a bombing, highlights the need to reevaluate the optional nature of these programs. Given the difficulty of returning individuals with radical beliefs to normalcy, a compulsory approach may be worth exploring. However, Indonesia’s bureaucratic complexities could delay the formal labeling as a deradicalization program. Nevertheless, the focus should be on developing innovative approaches to successfully transform radical ideologies into non-radical ones, especially for those who resist undergoing deradicalization.