Palu, Central Sulawesi (ANTARA) - Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) Commander General Andika Perkasa has expressed the hope that radical thoughts espoused by terror groups will never gain ground in Central Sulawesi.

The national ideology of Pancasila must be promoted among residents to prevent the growth of radical thoughts among residents, the commander highlighted.

"We need to strengthen the national ideology as our national foundation. To prevent radical thoughts from infiltrating our people, everyone must play their role," Perkasa said during a working visit to Palu, Central Sulawesi.

He confirmed that the military has collaborated with the National Police and the National Counter Terrorism Agency (BNPT) to conceive anti-radicalism measures and promote anti-radicalism among residents.

Religious tolerance embraced by the people of Central Sulawesi is essential for shielding against ideologies harmful to the society and the nation, Perkasa said.

"Prevention (against radical thoughts) must be started at respective homes (and can be done) either by social, religious, and educational approaches," the TNI commander noted.

He affirmed the government's commitment to protecting peace-loving residents from terrorists and other threats that might harm the people and the nation.

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"Therefore, the government is present to be the vanguard of the Indonesian people through various measures that they have conceived," he said.

Moreover, Perkasa confirmed that some personnel sent to the Madago Raya Task Force to catch East Indonesia Mujahideen (MIT) fugitives have been withdrawn from their deployment in Poso district, Central Sulawesi.

"Hundreds of TNI personnel have been withdrawn (from their deployment) and have returned to their respective units by gradual means since March," the TNI commander informed.

Of the initial 267 personnel who formed the task force, at least 167 personnel have returned to their units and 100 personnel have remained in their deployment area, he said.

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Translator: M Ridwan/M Izfaldi, Nabil I
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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