The ideology of radicalism and terrorism destroys the civilization and cultureJakarta (ANTARA) - Preserving and bolstering cultural and traditional values is an effective method in preventing terrorism in the country, National Counter-Terrorism Agency (BNPT) Head Commissioner Boy Rafli Amar noted in a written statement on Friday.
"We believe that preserving the nation's cultural and traditional values is an effective method to fend off and limit the mobility of radical terrorism," he stated.
The diversity of culture essentially symbolizes Indonesia's pluralism, or Bhineka Tunggal Ika. The diversity of culture is like the richness of colors that creates a beautiful and harmonious combination.
Meanwhile, terrorists' ideology aims to eradicate the country's cultural values that produce this diversity, he pointed out.
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"The ideology of radicalism and terrorism destroys the civilization and culture. Terrorism ideology seeks to create a new culture that aligns with violence," Amar stressed.
To this end, the agency continues to forge cooperation with various parties to preserve the nation's cultures.
One such form of cooperation was established with the Archipelago Kingdom Traditional Council (MAKN) as one of the parties seeking to preserve the culture and tradition.
The goal is to bolster cultural and traditional values together among members of the public.
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Meanwhile, Chairman of MAKN Eddy Wirabumi noted that his institution and BNPT shared a similar vision and idea in viewing the importance of preserving cultural values.
This is because by properly maintaining the nation's cultures and traditions, Indonesians will have their own identity.
This certainly has positive impacts for Indonesia since it makes the nation resilient to the influence of foreign cultures, including radical terrorism.
"The MAKN and BNPT harbor one vision in preventing radical terrorism. This tradition and culture can develop and will fend off intolerance on its own," he explained.
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Translator: M Zulfikar, Fadhli Ruhman
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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