STOP!!

TERRORISM, RADICALISM & DRUGS

A Seminar by Regional Communion of Churches in Indonesia (PGIW) DIY

Terrorism, radicalism and drugs are not new problems in Indonesia. They have happened since years ago. Terrorism, radicalism and drugs becomes the root of problems that occurred in Indonesia. Not only bringing discomfort, but it is also destabilizing economic condition and destroying national young generation. Focusing on this problem, Regional Communion of Churches in Indonesia of Yogyakarta Special Region held a seminar on "Socialization of Danger and Threat of Terrorism, Radicalism and Drugs for Christians in Yogyakarta Special Region". This event aimed to observe the response of churches and Christians toward these problems.

The seminar which was held on June 10, 2016, at Wisma Immanuel, Yogakarta was attended by the representatives of various churches and institutions in this province. The three main problems namely Terrorism, Radicalism and Drug were explained by competent speakers, such as Suhariyono, SIP (Head of Preventive of BNNP DIY – BNNP National Drugs Agency), Drs. Tri Susilo Harjoko (Kasubdit IV Police Intel-Police corp DIY), and Dr. Venny Pungud, Sp.KJ. (SMF Psychiatry and FK UKDW-Bethesda Hospital in Yogyakarta).

Suhariyono explained that there are 24 types of unlisted drugs in Indonesia, so state Act No. 35 of 2009 should be amended again and again. Currently the number of drug users increased to 4.7 million noted by BNN in 2013. If there is no prevention and control, it is projected that by 2019 there will be 7.4 million drug users. BNNP Yogyakarta Special Region recorded 60.000 drugs users from various level, started from beginners, addicted, injecting and non-injecting actors.

Drs. Tri Susilo Harjoko explained topic of terrorism and radicalism. The root of radicalism is due to the narrow-minded of religion interpretation, poverty and structural injustice. Actor of terrorism often cited Al-Qur’an verses to stir others do jihad. Terrorism in Yogyakarta Special Region has been existing since 2002 and the issue has triggered several incidents of religious intolerance.

From the angle of health sciences, Dr. Venny Pungud, Sp.KJ explained the damage and severe addiction of addictive substances such as behavior changes, body condition and mindset of the drug users. Sometimes they tend to harm others to satisfy their lust.

The participants were enthusiastic during the question and answer session by asking about the difficulties of handling drugs and why religious freedom is restricted. Participants hoped the police department provide books for churches and commitment of 0% alcoholic beverages. The police head stated that they are always ready to secure church activity. BNN stated that when the institution was founded, the condition of drug abuse in DIY was very bad, so it was not easy to handle, but the drugs user has been decreased year by year.

One big expectation from this meeting is every Christian will be willing to take part in solving problems faced by the nation by doing real action. (ITM).