Indonesia determined to stop radicalism: President Widodo

Indonesian President Joko Widodo says he is resolute to “prevent the growth of radicalism,” in an apparent response to rumors that extremists were planning to stage new mass protests.

“The government is determined to prevent the growth of radicalism in this country,” Widodo told reporters in the capital Jakarta on Tuesday.

His comments came after more than 100,000 people filled the streets of the capital on November 4, calling for the ouster of Jakarta’s governor over alleged blasphemy.

Purnam has become embroiled in controversy since citing a verse from the holy Qur'an, which his opponents deem insulting.

The ethnic Chinese governor has apologized and said he did not intend to insult anyone, but police have opened a probe and questioned him. He could face a maximum of five years in prison if found guilty under Indonesia’s blasphemy law.

Analysts say Widodo's opponents are using religious sentiments to undermine the president. Officials say there has been a growing alarm within the government since the early November massive protest.

On Monday, national police chief Tito Karnavian warned that some specific groups might attempt to storm the parliament during mass protesting rallies expected to be held on Friday and on December 2.

“There are hidden methods by certain groups to enter and occupy parliament... If these actions are intended to overthrow the government, that's a violation of the law,” he was quoted as saying.

Widodo has already put the blame on “political actors” for fanning violence that erupted in the mass demonstration. He has also held a number of meetings with senior political, religious and military officials to give alert against any further unrest.

Indonesia, a country with the largest population of Muslims in the world, has been grappling with Takfiri militants for years. The government has launched a massive crackdown on militant networks since the 2002 Bali bombings that killed 202 people. 

Back in January, police officers were attacked by four Daesh bombers at a traffic post in central Jakarta in which four civilians were killed besides all the attackers.

The government fears that increasing tensions could play into the hands of militants.

Senior officials in Jakarta believe that roughly 500 Indonesians have traveled to the Middle East to join Daesh and other Takfiri terrorist groups. Nearly 100 are believed to have returned to the Southeast Asian country in recent months.

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