Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Poverty and inequality give rise to extremist movements in a country, according to Vice President Jusuf Kalla.

These movements can surface in the form of communism, left and right extremism, and radicalism.

"The rise in the levels of poverty and inequality in Indonesia can trigger the emergence of communist ideologies. It can then lead to the surfacing of all forms of radicalism and left and right extremism. This will especially hold true if the government is not active and does not take a step forward," he noted at the Vice Presidential Palace on Friday.

However, the vice president appeared unperturbed in response to an issue regarding the emergence of communist ideology, which had existed 41 years ago in Indonesia, and seemed to have resurfaced through a party. Kalla stated that the matter was rather exaggerated.

"In my opinion, the notion that says the Communist Party of Indonesia (PKI) is reviving might be exaggerated. I am confident that the people are harboring excessive fears," he emphasized.

The vice president believes that the communist ideology has evidently failed to be implemented in several countries, considering that North Korea is the only communist country in the world with its failing governance.

"Countries that used to adopt communist principles have become capitalist nations, for instance, Russia, China, and Eastern European countries. Essentially, it is impossible to spread an ideology if it is not accepted by the people," he elaborated.

As reported, Kivlan Zein, one of Indonesias military figures, affirmed that PKI had revived the communist ideology and was ready to declare its return in 2017.

Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Luhut Bintan Pandjaitan also had the same response as Kalla on this issue.

"If he has any knowledge regarding the location, it is encouraged that he report it to us. We will be prepared to investigate and follow through with the required procedure," he remarked.

Luhut admitted to not being aware of the reemergence of PKI as pointed out by Zein. He also requested the media to demand answers from Zein on the issue.

"Just ask him. I do not currently have any knowledge of this issue. I have eyes and ears scattered everywhere, but we are yet to obtain that information," he added.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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