Handayani Center and BNPT Prepare for Repatriation of Child Victims of Radicalism in Syrian Camps

JAKARTA (October 25, 2023) – The "Handayani" Center in Jakarta welcomed a cooperative visit from the Deputy for Enforcement and Capacity Development of the National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT) on Wednesday, October 25. The visit aimed to coordinate and align social rehabilitation programs in preparation for Indonesian children's repatriation from various camps in Syria.

The BNPT delegation, led by Deputy 2 Inspector General of Police Ibnu Suhaendra along with Brigadier General of Police M. Rosidi, Brigadier General of Police Sigit Widodo, and Didik Novi Rahmanto, Head of the Intelligence Sub-Directorate were welcomed by Rachmat Koesnadi, Director of Disaster and Emergency Victims (KBK), and Romal Uli Jaya Sinaga, Head of the Handayani Center.

Ibnu Suhaendra emphasized the importance of the well-established cooperation between BNPT and the Ministry of Social Affairs, which is set to be formalized with a Cooperation Agreement (PKS). 

"We thank the Ministry of Social Affairs, especially the Handayani Center, for always being ready to help children associated with terrorism," he said. BNPT also shared data and conditions analyzed by its intelligence team.

Didik Novi highlighted the dire situation of the children in the camps, noting the minimal security and protection they faced. 

"Dozens, or even hundreds, of Indonesian children must be rescued immediately. We greatly appreciate the ongoing efforts of Handayani Center, which has been working with us since 2016 to protect these children, as well as other centers owned by the Ministry of Social Affairs that are beginning to replicate this program," Didik said.

Rachmat Koesnadi reassured that the Ministry of Social Affairs is ready to manage the social rehabilitation process for the children likely to be repatriated. However, he stressed the need for clear boundaries between the deradicalization efforts of BNPT and the social rehabilitation efforts of the Ministry of Social Affairs. 

"We are certainly ready, but it would be better if we could work together. For children in the red category, they may need to undergo deradicalization first, and then we can take over once they reach the green category, for the safety and protection of the children," he suggested.

The visit concluded with a tour of the Handayani Center’s facilities and infrastructure. Romal Sinaga outlined the comprehensive support provided by the center, including dormitories, psychosocial therapy labs, and skills development facilities. 

"We will provide maximum support for the children’s development here, and fulfilling their rights will always be a priority," Romal assured.

Furthermore, this collaborative visit provided valuable input for the repatriation efforts of Indonesian children from Syrian camps, with a focus on their protection and the fulfillment of their rights and needs.