The Banning of Indonesian Islamic Websites - A Humble Opinion From An Internet User

Malam ini gue akhirnya harus menghela nafas. ISP langganan gue mulai ngeblokir salah satu situs yang sering gue kunjungi: dakwatuna.com.

Since yesterday, people have been talking about the banning of 19 (or 22) Islamic sites. This action is done by the Ministry of Communication and Informatics (Kemkominfo) based on the recommendation given by BNPT. The wave of protests, esp. in online media, has been rising up to now.

Some of my friends may say, the sites spread radicalism, ISIS' idea. Well, I ask them then, "Have you ever visited and read the content of that site?". They answered, "No."

I, of course, do not agree with any kind of violence - no matter who does it. I'm against with what's done by ISIS. If those 19 sites bring up the idea of terror, then I'll support the ban.

In another side, it's better for anyone who supports the step taken by BNPT and Kemkominfo - banning 19 Islamic sites- to prove that the action is proper. They have to show the people any article or content of the sites that drag people into radicalism. If they are able to do so, it's gonna be fair enough.

In fact, based on the report tweeted by @YolaDamayanti - a Dakta Radio journalist- who attended the meeting between BNPT, Kemkominfo and the representatives from seven sites which got banned, the PR of BNPT explained that the banning of those 19 sites was because they use dot com domain that is considered as a privilege to US's sites. It means that Indonesian sites are forbidden to use the domain. LOL. Such an explanation that is very far from public expectation.

Goodness. What is actually happening in this country? I visit Islamic sites to broaden my knowledge on Islam, not to become radical (although I'm not sure about the criteria of being radical. I just use my own assumption: being radical is probably like ISIS). I've reduced my time in front of television as it offers me, mostly, unworthy programs. Meanwhile, online media offers me a freedom to choose news, articles or contents which I need.

I know that there are still plenty of Islamic sites that can be accessed. But that's not the point. Today, the government banned 19 sites only, we don't know how many Islamic sites that will be treated the same in the future (I hope there will be no more). For me, as an internet user, I am just wondering what factors that encourage the govt to take such an irritating step? It's gonna be wise if they ensure the public by giving some proves that those sites spread radicalism. Unfortunately, they don't do it and keep silent.

Then, #BringBackTheIslamicMedia #KembalikanMediaIslam