Tackling the Threat of Violent Extremism and Its Impact on Human Securities in East Java

Despite rapid economic growth and progress in many areas of human development, Indonesia continues to suffer from acts of violent extremism with recent terrorist attacks involving women and children as perpetrators. Often described as the political barometer of South-East Asia, the success of Indonesia’s counter-terrorism efforts has profound influence throughout the region and beyond. To this end, the new counter-terrorism legislation and the drafting of the National Plan of Action against Violent Extremism provides a window of opportunity to shape the government’s approach for years to come, ensuring that prevention of violent extremism is tackled based on the human security framework and its application.​

The key objectives of the programme are to (i) stop perceived grievances, marginalization and distorted beliefs from pushing individuals towards violent extremism in participating communities; (ii) limit the scope for violent extremists from using new technologies to radicalize individuals; (iii) strengthen the social compact between individuals, the community and government institutions; (iv) empower the criminal justice system to proactively prevent violent extremism; and (v) break the cycle of extremism among vulnerable individuals and groups in participating communities.

KEY MATERIALS
Programme Summary
Programme Leaflet
Programme Booklet​
Report “Adjustment and Resilience – Preventing Violent Extremism in Indonesia During COVID-19 and Beyond”
Report “The Benefits and Challenges of a Human Security Approach to Countering Violent Extremism and Terrorism in the Criminal Justice System in Indonesia”
Research: The Impact of COVID-19 on Counterterrorism and Preventing/Countering Violent Extremism (P/CVE) in Indonesia
Peace Village Digital Storybook​

Human Security to Prevent Violent Extremism

The siloed tendency where different agencies work separately is not suitable for addressing and preventing the complex dynamics fueling violent extremism. Instead, what is needed is a focus on human security and its application.

Such an approach, as implemented through the programme, focuses on the multidimensional root causes and drivers of violent extremism by (1) limiting the use of technology and social media for radicalization, (2) implementing a whole-of-society approach and strengthening trustful relations between individuals, the community and the government, (3) empowering the criminal justice system to proactively prevent violent extremism in a people-centered manner, (4) providing alternative narratives, (5) promoting tolerance and (6) drawing knowledge to be mainstreamed across the county and in the region.