Military Chief Warns Indonesians of Dangers of ISIS

Bengkulu (Antara Bali) - Military Chief General Moeldoko has warned young Indonesians about the dangers of ISIS, saying that the terrorist group must be crushed, and the ideology it is spreading is against the teachings of Islam.

"What ISIS is doing is so deplorable that its spread must be halted," he stated while addressing 1.5 thousand students attending his public lecture at Bengkulu State University here, Wednesday.

Young Indonesians, including students, should be prevented from being influenced and recruited by the ISIS recruiters, he affirmed.

Therefore, General Moeldoko called on the students and youth to not be swayed by the group and join the ISIS, whose movement has won the hearts and minds of certain people due to the rapid development of information technology.

"How can people from various countries be motivated to join ISIS? This reality is obviously linked to the role of information technology and media," he pointed out.

General Moeldoko remarked that the terrorist organization was successful in recruiting a small number of Indonesians as they are promised a better life.

This problem should be tackled by regional governments by utilizing economic wealth gained from natural and mineral resources for the welfare of the people, he said.

Faras Trysanti, a student of Tri Mandiri Sakti Health College, seconded General Moeldoko's views saying that the ISIS had tarnished the good image of Islam, and it should be avoided. (WDY)