"The spread of radicalism is now not only in campuses, but also directly targeting individuals through the means of social media," Nasir said here, Thursday.
The ministry has strongly rejected radicalism in campuses.
Indonesia`s Counter-Terrorism Agency (BNPT) has revealed that seven prominent campuses throughout the country, namely the University of Indonesia (UI), the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB), the Bogor Institute of Agriculture (IPB), the University of Diponegoro (Undip), the Surabaya Institute of Technology (ITS), the University of Airlangga (Unair), and the University of Brawijaya (UB) have been exposed to radicalism since 1983, or 35 years ago.
At that time, the government had applied a program called Normalization of Campus Life to depoliticize campuses. Certain groups had filled the void with radicalism.
"I have noticed that not only the seven campuses have been exposed to radicalism. Its potential is big," he said.
Last year, the ministry declared anti-radicalism in campuses and called for protection of campuses from radicalism.
He asked university rectors to prevent radicalism spread in campuses.
The minister also said civil servants involved in radicalism must be given stern sanction.
He asked rectors to temporarily dismiss lecturers involved in radicalism spread.
The ministry has kept on monitoring the situation in every campus monthly or in every three months.
He said every one indicated of spreading radicalism in campuses must be dismissed.
Reporter: Fardah
Editor: Otniel Tamindael
Copyright © ANTARA 2018
