"We sit together, we discuss, and we think of the future quality of our deradicalized peers," BNPT Head Commissioner General Rycko Amelza Dahniel noted in a statement received here, Friday.
He visited the Podomoro retention basin in Larangan Village, Brebes District, Central Java, on May 4.
He made the most of the momentum of Eid to urge deradicalized peers to strengthen relations with others and behave in a way that presents Islam in a positive light and its followers as good and humane people filled with love and compassion.
"We gather at this (social event) during this Shawwal month. We come here to meet our fellows. Meet them in person, with the big family, with their wives and children, as a form of compassion towards others," he explained.
He expects that the visit could be an opportunity to discuss with people and remind each other to respect differences, be tolerant, and protect Indonesia together.
To improve public welfare, especially that of the Brebes deradicalized peers, the regional government, represented by the Brebes National Unity and Politics Agency, Police's Special Detachment 88, and BNPT had initiated economic empowerment programs for the deradicalized people.
Currently, the community is pursuing a Water Tourism project in Brebes, Central Java, and it will be opened soon.
"We all will encourage so that our fellows can pursue businesses and have their own income, so that life becomes better," he stated.
Head of the Brebes National Unity and Politics Agency, Mochamad Sodiq, called on all to commit to fighting terrorism.
"We are one, synergizing towards one goal in order to address terrorism in Indonesia," Sodiq stated.
The representative of deradicalized ex-terrorists, who also serves as leader of the Podomoro Community, Wartoyo, expected that the social event would allow BNPT to assist ex-convicts, so they would be able to lead a life of prosperity.
"Hopefully, the BNPT head can assist, so we can begin the tourism business," Wartoyo remarked.
The Podomoro retention basin offers some water attractions, such as pool for adults, pool for children, fishing pond, mini outbound, food stalls, and fish cultivation pond.
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Translator: Putu Indah Savitri, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Sri Haryati
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