The National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) has requested that the government repatriate Indonesians living in Syria. Komnas HAM commissioner, Chairul Anam, said that it is the government’s duty to safeguard their citizens, regardless of the consequences.
“Our constitution mandates us to secure citizens, regardless of the risks and consequences. If they are willing to return, then we must allow them to do so,” Anam asserted.
Earlier, reports have emerged that dozens of Indonesian nationals have been living among the thousands of foreign fighters or jihadist of Islamic State (ISIS) at Al-Hol refugee camp in East Syria. They left the last camp of ISIS, in Baghouz, after being defeated by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
The government is currently constructing policies regarding the repatriation of Indonesian citizens with the Ministry for Politics, Law, and Security Affairs. The study also involves security and defense institutions, namely The National Police, The National Counter-Terrorism Agency (BNPT), The National Intelligence Agency (BIN), and The Indonesian Armed Forces.
Anam also added that the government shouldn’t worry about the fact that those Indonesians have been exposed to terrorism, as the BNPT was specifically designed to de-radicalise citizens and run counter terrorism operations. According to him, the government could benefit from these citizens, as they could be informants about terror networks in Indonesia.
Source: Tempo
Image: Liputan 6