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Young force to counter militancy

Task force shows concern by moderate Muslims at growing menace of extremism
Young force to counter militancy
Published: July 26, 2011 10:55 AM GMT
Updated: July 26, 2011 10:55 AM GMT

A Catholic criminologist has welcomed the establishment of a special unit by the youth wing of the country’s largest Islamic organization, to counter militancy and terrorism threats. Banser Densus 99 was established in April, but its existence was only formally announced by Nahdlatul Ulama last week during its 85th anniversary celebrations. Apart from pitting itself against extremist and terrorist threats, it also says it will take up the task of diffusing bombs. “I welcome the establishment of Banser Densus 99. It shows how concerned Nahdlatul Ulama is about extremism and terrorism issues,” Adrianus Meliala said yesterday. He said the special unit, would not compete with the national police’s own anti-terrorism unit; Special Detachment 88. “It will only encourage the police to be braver in combating terrorism,” he said. “Its task should be to counter extremism” he added, acknowledging that it would be difficult for Banser Densus 99 to do so because radical groups tended to recruit members from various sources including Islamic clerics and intellectuals. “I am worried about conflicts that might arise between radical and moderate groups. The government must pay serious attention to this issue,” he asserted. Banser Densus 99, whose headquarters is based in Cirebon, West Java, now has 204 members.

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