Article provided by the Center for Radicalism and Deradicalization Studies (PAKAR), a partner of stratsea.com.
Introduction
In Indonesia, there are several notable cases of former terrorists abandoning violence and striving for peace. This article focuses on former terrorist Ali Fauzi Manzi and his circumstances in becoming an advocate for peace.
Ali Fauzi Manzi’s Initiation into Violence
Ali Fauzi Manzi is the youngest brother of three terrorist perpetrators; Mukhlas, Amrozi, and Ali Imron. These perpetrators were responsible for the 2002 Bali Bombings, which killed 202 people, injured 209, and devastated Kuta, Bali. For their crimes, Mukhlas and Amrozi were executed while Ali Imron is still serving a life sentence.
After the arrest of his three brothers, the Jamaah Islamiyyah (JI) network placed high expectations on Ali Fauzi Manzi to commit acts of terror in Indonesia like his brothers. This was because Ali Fauzi not only possessed militant skills but also due to his reputation, both in Indonesia and abroad. Notably, he was repeatedly successful in entering Indonesia from Mindanao undetected and had attended numerous militant training camps of the Jamaah Islamiyyah (JI) in Malaysia and the Abu Sayyaf group in the Philippines.
What led Ali Fauzi Manzi to become a JI member? He stated that one crucial factor was the role of kinship or family relations. His interest in joining this terrorist group peaked when he was invited to join by his family, particularly from his three elder siblings. His membership to JI allowed him to forge closer ties with his brothers as they would regularly discuss about their shared interpretations of Islam and undergoing tough militant trainings at various JI camps in several countries.
Another contributing factor was the influence of his peers. Not only does his peers provide him a sense of camaraderie but served as echo chambers reinforcing his believe of JI’s ideology. Interestingly, such peer influence is evident in numerous Indonesian terrorists. Additionally, there are other factors that can lead one to violence. These include the level of exposure to doctrines as takfîr, jihâd qitâl, fa’i, al-walâ’ wa al-barâ’, khilafah islamiyyah, and thâghût (considering who do not share their beliefs as enemies).
Humane Treatment as a Cognitive Opening for Peace
However, fate dictated another path in 2006. After his participation in the Ambon and Poso riots between 1999-2000, he rejoined his peers at militant training camps in the Philippines. He was eventually arrested by the Philippine authorities in 2004 and extradited to Indonesia as a terrorist detainee in 2006.
Ali Fauzi Manzi recalled being extremely fearful of the imagined violent interrogation sessions and torture that awaited him upon his arrival in Indonesia. However, the reality was vastly different. The humane treatment he received from the Indonesian police led him to rethink his path. He began realizing his mistakes which culminated in him abandoning violence and instead championing peace.
Notably, both Ali Fauzi Manzi and his brother, Ali Imron, have chosen to become peace activists striving to inspire change for those who are still steadfast in their extremist ideology. They are also directly involved in reconciliation efforts with the victims and their families affected by the first Bali Bombing.
To ensure a more sustained peacebuilding effort, Ali Fauzi founded the Peace Circle Foundation (YLP) in 2017, intended to facilitate former terrorists and combatants to pursue peace. Despite his good intentions, Ali Fauzi’s path for peace did not always run smoothly. Initially, the victims and their families were reluctant to accept any attempts of reconciliation, considering the physical, material, and human losses. Through his perseverance and earnest intent, victims and their families eventually accepted Ali Fauzi’s apology and forgave him.
YLP: Building a Peaceful Community
Based in Tenggulun Lamongan, East Java and with 60 administrators, YLP’s primary focus is to facilitate cognitive and behavioural changes in current and former terrorist inmates throughout Indonesia. Complementing this, YLP also actively reach out to their families through numerous initiatives including literacy classes, skills training, dialogue and house visits. Recognizing their endeavours, the Indonesian government has assisted YLP in the renovation of the Al-Muttaqin Mosque and the Al-Quran Education Park (TPA) as an educational center for local children to instill nationalism (hubul wathan).
Recently, YLP had assisted the Indonesian government in accelerating Covid-19 vaccinations, especially for community members, YLP members, and Al-Islam students located in Tengulun Village, Solokuro District, Lamongan Regency.
Conclusion
Based on Ali Fauzi Manzi’s experiences, there are several factors that are crucial in the pursuit of long-lasting peace: 1) the importance of direct interactions between perpetrators and victims in reconciliation efforts; 2) the need to assist cognitive and behavioural changes in current and former terrorist inmates including their families, and 3) the Indonesian government’s support for community initiatives led by former terrorist inmates. Collectively, these will not only help victims and perpetrators of terrorism find resolution but also helps rebuild trust between the community and former terrorists.
