…terrorist organizations have changed their strategy from initially using bullets to using ballot boxes, getting in via the democratic domain, which very much allows power to be obtained.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The National Counter-Terrorism Agency (BNPT) has assured that political parties participating in the 2024 General Elections have zero affiliation with terror networks.

"(The participating political parties) are clear (from such connections), alright," head of the BNPT, Boy Rafli Amar, said in a statement received here on Wednesday.

However, as per intelligence data with the agency, there are indications of terror organizations attempting to sneak into the election proceedings to come into power and exercise control through politics, he informed.

"This limited info shows the condition that terrorist organizations have changed their strategy from initially using bullets to using ballot boxes, getting in via the democratic domain, which very much allows power to be obtained," Amar expounded.

Although the data in question is still limited and needs to be studied or investigated further, it should serve as a reminder for everyone to remain cautious of the threats of terrorism and radicalism, he said. Hence, anticipatory measures are needed, he added.

He said he expects everyone to remain rational in their alertness, which can be done by understanding that terror organizations are against the four national consensuses on the Republic of Indonesia as the form of state; Pancasila (five principles) as the ideology; Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (unity in diversity) as the motto; and the 1945 State Constitution as the basis of laws.

"In other things, terrorist organizations are also of the view that the national law is the law of infidels, which, according to them, needs to be combated since they have different views and beliefs on state governance," Amar added.

The government is pursuing other efforts to ensure that the elections go smoothly, which include combating misinformation and disinformation; maintaining neutrality among state civil apparatus by monitoring their cyberspace activities; and prohibiting political campaigns at schools, worship places, and state civil apparatuses' workplaces.

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Translator: Putu Indah Savitri, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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