"In the history of world`s terrorism countermeasures, the Indonesian government has demonstrated that soft approaches, through humanitarian aspects, could muffle terrorism," Suhardi stated at the 7th World Peace Forum (WPF) themed "The Middle Path for the World Civilization."
Other countries tend to use hard approach, through law enforcement and military actions, to tackle terrorism, he added.
He admitted that soft approach would involve a long and hard process. Through this approach, former inmates in terrorism cases would be guided to leave their ideologies.
The authority would take care of their livelihoods and families and would enable them to finally be a part of the society.
"The integration with local culture would support the effectiveness of the soft approach," he added.
BNPT has also arranged a forum to bring together former terrorists and the victims or families of the victims. This has become an effective method to build the spirit of unity to participate in the efforts to create a peaceful society, Suhardi remarked.
"Forgiveness between perpetrators and victims of terror attacks is one way to diminish and settle terrorism and radicalism issues in Indonesia," he revealed.
The 7th World Peace Forum was organized by the Presidential Special Envoy for Inter-Religion Dialogue and Cooperation in cooperation with the Center for Dialogue and Cooperation Among Civilization (CDCC) and Chengho Multi Culture and Education Trust (CMCET) from Malaysia.
The three-day forum, held from Aug 14 to 16, was attended by religious leaders from Europe, Arab countries, Africa, and Asia including Japan, Korea, and China.
Reported by Sigit Pinardi
Edited by Sri Haryati
Reporter: antara
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2018
