Terrorist networks are using Islamic boarding schools, revealing changing tactics to influence society.
Newsroom (01/27/2022 11:45 AM, Gaudium Press) According to Indonesia’s National Counterterrorism Agency, at least 198 Islamic boarding schools have links to terrorist networks.
The agency’s head, Boy Rafli Amar, informed parliamentarians at a meeting last January 25. The reporting became available as part of a terrorism prevention program implemented last year.
Several Islamic boarding schools have ties to Jamaah Ansharut Khilafah, Jemaah Islamiyah. In turn, the group has links to al-Qaeda and Ansharut Daulah, an Islamic State affiliate.
Stanislaus Riyanta, an intelligence analyst at the State University of Indonesia, warns that the disclosure should not surprise. It is an indicator revealing how terrorist networks are changing tactics.
“Instead of using terror, they are using religious activities to gain influence in society. They can easily infiltrate Islamic boarding schools and spread their radical ideology,” Stanislaus told UCA News.
“They want to accumulate political power. So the first thing is to recruit more members,” he continued.
Franciscan priest Vinsensius Darmin Mbula, president of the National Council for Catholic Education, on the other hand, found the data “worrying,” namely for Christians who extremists have often targeted.
“Islamic boarding schools should be run in an inclusive way and build good relations with others. It is disturbing to learn of these connections with extremists,” the priest stated.
He said that the government needs to quickly turn these schools away from extremism and prevent others from falling under their spell.
Compiled by Gustavo Kralj
