Jakarta (ANTARA) - Commissioner General Suhardi Alius, head of the National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT), believes that universities are vulnerable to being exposed to radicalism, for which collective efforts are deemed necessary to tackle the problem.

"Not just certain universities but all can be exposed," Alius noted in a statement here on Saturday.

The public must remain vigilant and identify it since their family members, particularly their children, can be affected, he noted while speaking at a meeting of the ITB (Bandung Institute of Technology) Professor Forum (FGB) held to discuss radicalism and intolerance in Bandung on Friday (Jan 24).

In addition to the BNPT head, the three other speakers were Prof. Dr I. Bambang Sugiharto from the Faculty of Philosophy of Parahyangan Catholic University, Prof. Yasraf Amir Piliang, and Prof. Tatacipta Dirgantara from ITB.

The speakers highlighted varied studies related to the philosophy of Pancasila, the interpretation of radicalism and ways of implementation of the commitment of the ITB that has firmly upheld the four pillars of nationalism in each of its policies.

He sought cooperation from all parties in tackling the problem of radicalism, particularly in higher education institutions, to protect the nation's younger generation.

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Translator: M Arief I, Fardah
Editor: Sri Haryati
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