Yogyakarta, December 3, 2024 - The Graduate School held a conference with the theme “Governance and Governmentality: Islam, State, and Market.” The second session was presented by Dr. Haula Noor, Ph.D., with moderation by Mr. Najib Kailani, M.A., Ph.D. The presentation focused on the role of family and women in the context of radicalization and counterterrorism, titled "The Home as a Security Threat: Government and the Dimensions of Family and Women in Radicalization Control."

Dr. Haula Noor highlighted the evolving role of families and women in terrorism, noting that while academic discourse has often portrayed women and families as passive victims, her research indicates that they can actively contribute to creating environments conducive to early radicalization. She pointed to the 2016 pressure cooker bomb attack by Dian Yulia and the 2018 Surabaya bombings as events that reshaped perceptions of women's involvement, underscoring their active participation in terrorist activities. In response, the Indonesian government introduced the National Action Plan for Countering Radicalism and Terrorism (RAN-PE) under Presidential Regulation No. 7/2021. The plan consists of two phases: the first, focusing on high-level involvement (2021-2025), and the second, which will concentrate on community and family engagement (2025-2029).

The presentation further explored the role of families and women in terrorist activities, referencing the Indonesian Police's findings that categorize women’s involvement into three groups: pre-ISIS, ISIS-affiliated, and post-ISIS (lone wolves). Notable cases included arrests of women such as Munfiatun and Putri Munawaroh, as well as the involvement of family members in terrorist cells like the Poso group. The report showed that out of 39 women involved, 14 have been released, 12 are in prison, and 12 are still facing legal proceedings.

Dr. Noor also addressed the gender dimensions of terrorism, highlighting how women are targeted and recruited by terrorist organizations, often due to factors such as gender-based inequality, violence, and marginalization. Terrorism, for some, becomes a means to achieve emancipation, respect, and equality within traditional gender roles. In the ongoing process of deradicalization and social reintegration, Dr. Noor pointed to the role of foundations funded by the National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT) and Detachment 88, which are designed to create "alternative families" for former terrorists. These foundations provide economic, social, and religious support to reintegrate individuals into society. However, no specific foundation has focused on supporting the reintegration of women.

The session concluded by emphasizing the challenges of governance in counterterrorism efforts. Dr. Noor noted that despite the success of the National Action Plan, issues such as institutional competition between BNPT and Detachment 88, as well as the rivalry between various NGOs and foundations, have hindered the sustainability and effectiveness of reintegration programs. This, she argued, underscores the need for more coordinated efforts to achieve long-term success.