Stop ISIS in its tracks

Opposing the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS)which has morphed into the Islamic State (IS)does not mean opposing Islam. What needs to be resisted is the violence they carry out to perpetuate their beliefs. This is why the government must actively prevent them from luring citizens into their movement. Allowing them to grow in this country is like breeding a new kind of terrorism.

The need for vigilance is urgent. On June 29, ISIS declared an Islamic caliphate in the country. Militant groups in Indonesia declared their oath of loyalty to Abu Bakar Al-Baghdadi, leader of IS. Among those who took the oath were Abu Bakar Ba'asyir and a number of convicted terrorists in jail. Some are convinced Al-Baghdadi can replace Al-Qaeda and Osama bin Laden. In fact, some are convinced that Al-Baghdadi is of higher stature than bin Laden because he is regarded as a khalifah, the highest Islamic leader.