He said one of the reasons why terrorism persisted in the country was the fact that radical teachings continued being spread freely.
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - An Islamic leader has called on the government to close down internet sites that spread radicalism so as to eliminate a source of inspiration to resort to terrorism.

"They must not only block porn sites but also sites that encourage radicalism, fundamentalism. The two kinds of sites pose equal dangers," said KH Said Aqil Siroj, general chairman of one of Indonesia`s largest Islamic organizations, Nahdlatul Ulama, here on Tuesday.

He said one of the reasons why terrorism persisted in the country was the fact that radical teachings continued being spread freely.

The spreading of radical religious teachings could cause ordinary people to think that there was nothing wrong in committing acts of terrorism under the label of jihad. It was also strengthening the conviction of those who held conservative religious views, he said.

"After their ideology has been radicalized, they are only a step away from engaging in radical actions," he said.

In fact, he said, the freedoms in the current reform era had been used optimally by radical groups to spread the radical ideology they believe in.

Therefore, he said, it was important for the moderate groups to step up their efforts to enlighten the people on peaceful Islam.

"It is indeed difficult to do it for those who have already become militants but it can be a preventive effort for those who have not yet been affected by radical doctrine," he said.

He said Nahdlatul Ulama supports a stronger legislation against terrorism to anticipate terrorist actions.

The law, he said, must give the police authority to summon and examine those suspected of having links with terrorism.

Aqil said the police already knew the people or groups that were connected with terrorism but could not do much until they actually committed a criminal offense.

"The existing law is not strong enough and therefore security agencies became hesitant to act, afraid of later being accused of violating human rights. As a result, they wait until bombs explode," he said.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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