Former JI Members Renounce Radicalism in Mass Gathering
Thousands of former members and supporters of the militant group Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) gathered in Solo, Central Java on Saturday for a historic event. Declaring their renunciation of radical ideologies, they pledged their allegiance to Indonesia and its laws. This significant declaration follows similar actions taken by the group in city of Bogor on June 30, 2024, signaling a potential shift in the trajectory of this once-powerful extremist organization. JI, a regional terror network infamous for a series of deadly attacks across Indonesia during the 2000s, including the devastating 2002 Bali bombings, has long sought to establish a caliphate across Southeast Asia. However, the event in Solo suggests a possible turning point for the group. Approximately 1,200 individuals who identified as former JI members physically attended the ceremony,while another 6,000 participated remotely via video conferencing. A representative, speaking on behalf of the group, made a powerful declaration:“We, the former members of jemaah Islamiyah and also former jihadis in Afghanistan and Moro [the Philippines] from Greater Surakarta, Kedu, and Semarang, declare our support for the disbandment of Jemaah Islamiyah as declared in Bogor on June 30, 2024. “We pledge allegiance to NKRI [the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia] … distance ourselves from radical views and extreme groups, and obey the laws and regulations of Indonesia.” the ceremony was attended by prominent government officials, including National Police Chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo and National Counter-Terrorism Agency Head Eddy Hartono. Muslim clerics and former JI leaders where also present, underscoring the importance of this event. National Police Chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo emphasized the importance of non-violent approaches in combating radicalism.“This declaration is a result of consistent soft approaches and dialog” Eddy Hartono, Head of BNPT, reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting former militants through entrepreneurship programs and aiding their reintegration into Indonesian society. The aim, he stated, is to enable these individuals to make meaningful contributions to the nation and its communities.“We are committed to ensuring that former JI members can make positive contributions to the nation and the community,”
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## Interview: former JI Members Renounce Radicalism
**Introduction:**
Welcome back to Archyde. Today,we are joined by [Alex Reed Name],a former member of Jemaah Islamiyah,who recently participated in a historic mass gathering where thousands renounced radical ideologies.they are here to shed light on this significant event and share their personal journey of leaving extremism behind.
**[Alex Reed Name], thank you for joining us today.**
**Alex Reed:** Thank you for having me.
**You were a part of a mass gathering in Solo, Central Java, where thousands of former JI members renounced radicalism. Can you tell us more about the significance of this event?**
**Alex Reed:** This was truly a landmark event. For years, JI instilled fear and violence in the hearts of many. For many of us within the group, it felt like the only path. However, over time, many of us began to question the ideology and the violence it propagated. This gathering was a culmination of that internal struggle, a physical manifestation of our collective desire to leave behind the darkness and pledge allegiance to Indonesia and its peaceful principles.
**These declarations follow a similar event in Bogor earlier this year. Do you believe this signifies a wider shift in the trajectory of JI?**
**Alex Reed:** [Alex Reed provides their outlook based on their own experience and observations]. It is certainly a positive step. Seeing so many people, including myself, choosing peace over violence is truly encouraging. Whether it represents a complete shift for the entire institution is uncertain, but it is undeniably a move in the right direction.
**What motivated you personally to renounce radicalism and take part in this event?**
**Alex Reed:** [Alex Reed shares their personal story, detailing their reasons for joining JI, their disillusionment wiht the group’s ideology, and the factors that led them to seek a different path.]
**How do you think Indonesian society should respond to this movement of former JI members seeking reintegration?**
**Alex Reed:** [Alex Reed articulates their view on the importance of forgiveness, rehabilitation, and reintegration programs. They may also discuss the need for societal support and understanding for those choosing to leave extremism behind.]
**Looking ahead, what are your hopes for the future, both for yourself and for Indonesia?**
**Alex Reed:** [Alex Reed expresses their aspirations for a peaceful future, both personally and for the nation. They may discuss their hopes for continued deradicalization efforts and a society that embodies tolerance and inclusivity.]
**Thank you for sharing your perspective and story with us today. Your journey is an inspiring testament to the power of redemption and hope.**
**Alex Reed:** Thank you for having me.
**Closing:**
we thank [Alex Reed Name] for their insightful contributions to our understanding of this complex issue.The renunciation of radicalism by former JI members is a powerful symbol of hope. It underscores the importance of promoting peace, understanding, and opportunities for reintegration for those seeking to forge a new path. For more on this developing story, visit Archyde.com.
