Ansor concerned about infiltration of radical groups

Jakarta, NU Online
The central board  and regional leaders of the Ansor Youth Movement (GP Ansor) visited President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) at Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, recently. Alleged movement of radical groups infiltrated one of presidential candidates was highlighted in the discussion.

Chairman of the Ansor Youth Movement, Yaqut Cholil Qoumas stated his concern on the possibility of support from radical groups to one of the presidential election contestants. He said, the movement of this group was spread in a number of regions in Indonesia, especially in West Java and Riau.

"They are not damaging the election, but they are supporting one of the election contestants to run their agendas, among others to establish Islamic state, Islamic Caliphate, or at least to establish a Unitary State of Indonesia with sharia law," Yaqut explained after meeting President Jokowi at Merdeka Palace recently.

However, Yaqut was reluctant to mention affiliation of the radical groups to the presidential candidate. He said that the President was pleased with the inputs given as Ansor informed that radical groups movement allegedly had infiltrated the State Civil Apparatus (ASN).

"I don't want to mention those candidates, but the facts are there. It can be felt, I think journalists also know," he was quoted by Republika news agency as saying.

In addition to ASN, Yaqut also mentioned that the radical movement had infiltrated to the top officials of State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN). He asked President Jokowi to firmly take action against people, especially ASN and state-owned officials, involved in radical movements.

Head of Presidential Staff Office Moeldoko reminded anyone involved in the contestation of the 2019 presidential election not to take advantage of radical groups in gaining support. According to him, the act of involving radical groups in practical politics would only harm the Indonesian nation.

"Mr. President did not give a response (on Ansor statement), but I personally want to remind anyone who have relation with it, by using radical groups for practical group interests, this will cause a big fire," Moeldoko remarked after meeting between President and GP Anshor.

Moeldoko asserted that the President will not give the slightest room to radical groups, and the President places radical groups as common enemies. (Masdar)