They have committed some of the most heinous acts in the modern world, but a re-education program for former terrorists is hoping to decrease radicalism and promote a peaceful jihad.
Research from the University of Indonesia, to be presented at the upcoming Asian Psychology Association Conference at Charles Darwin University’s Casuarina campus, involved face-to-face interviews with 28 former terrorists, including those who have been released.
The research team’s original objective was to develop effective teaching methods and materials for the religious teachers and religious preachers, who will provide their services to prisons where former terrorists are serving their sentences.
The research team argues that radicalism is a normal attitude rather than pathological, so theoretically it could be changed through systematic intervention.
It is expected that with the right methods of teaching, the former terrorists will decrease their radicalism and tendencies to committing future acts of terrorism.
Recommendations stemming from the research include the push for further studies into the possibility of leaked radical ideology toward high school and university students, the newest trend revealed by the subjects in discussion after the second Marriot Hotel bombing.
The Asian Psychology Association Conference will be held from 4-7 July at CDU’s Casuarina campus, Mal Nairn Auditorium.
For registration and further information visit www.cdu.edu.au/apsya.