RI Minister of Communication Bans ISIS-Related Websites

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - The Head of Indonesian Intelligence Agency (BIN), Marciano Norman finally realized the necessity to secure not only the nation in a literal terms but also the virtual world as terrorist group such as the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) has resorted to using internet and advanced technology to brainwash, promote and recruit potential members.

Just recently, the radical group confidently uploaded a propaganda video to YouTube showing ISIS members teaching underage Indonesians the teachings of ISIS and art of warfare. 

This is extremely disturbing as they have targeted the helpless underage kids and post it to a website that symbolizes a modern and more advanced society. 

That is of course, a paradox to the evidently orthodox and radical outlook of ISIS belief and teachings.

Marciano claimed that BIN has coordinated with the Ministry of Communication and Information (Kemenkoinfo) to investigate the websites and other social media platforms, that promote such extreme and incoherent 'religious' ideology. 

There is a need for these direct websites, or uploaded videos, articles, clips to be removed permanently or banned so that people could not access it.

The idea to raise people's awareness regarding the group is acceptable. However, with their method of persuasion and offers shown on the video, it is possible that instead of raising and scaring people away, the virtual presentation will in turn attract potential members. 

It cannot be denied that those who join ISIS are not always the religious and anti- social ones. It could also be stressed teenagers, unemployed person who is seeking for easy money and a way to get out of the country or someone who is not interested at all to join but forced to because of their family members' involvement.

"Yes, we will continue to monitor and counter their actions. We are working closely with the Ministry of Communication and Information to immediately remove or ban the sites relating to ISIS for the Indonesian audience. We have to be proactive and we should not let them lead our people astray by taking all chances they get to brainwash and to recruit citizens. We should take those sites seriously because one person may not think it is important, but it is to others who are easily persuaded," Marciano explained at the President Palace, Central Jakarta on Monday 30 March 2015. (Akp/Tnt)