Potential Islamic Radicalism and Terrorism in the Province of West Nusa Tenggara

Abstract

Studies on the root and causes of radicalism and terrorism have revealed that economic drawback and injustice are the primary causes of the birth of such groups. However, it is likely that would be a distinct case within the Indonesian landscape, particularly West Nusa Tenggara Province (NTB), given the relative conduciveness and good democratic atmosphere of the country. For this reason, drawing on the available artefacts and several mass con icts and terrors happening in the province, this study analyses whether there is any potential of radical and terrorist groups to grow; and, if any, what factors promoting such growth. e ndings indicate that the province can be a potential area for radical and terrorist groups to thrive. Furthermore, the main factors promoting the growth of such radical groups and violence or mass incidents are misinterpretation of the Islamic teachings, the available network of terrorist groups such as East Indonesian Mujahidin in the province, the geographical location, and the reluctance of the mainstream moderate Muslims to promote religious modernism to such growing groups in both islands of Sumbawa and Lombok.