Abstract

This study aims to identify the strategies and challenges faced in protecting Palopo from radical ideologies and acts. The purpose of this descriptive, qualitative research was to strengthen the existing theories in preventing radicalism. The subjects were people associated with the police, military, universities, Islamic schools, schools, interreligion communication forum (so-called Forum Komunikasi Umat Beragama (FKUB), preachers, and society. Seven strategies were found in protecting Palopo from radical ideologies and acts: 1) Bina Waspada Operation, 2) Balatkom Operation and Radical Ideologies, 3) Scientific Integration, 4) Religious Dialogue, 5) Obligatory Report Program, 6) Guiding the Young Generation, and 7) Maintaining Tolerance and Interreligious Harmony. It was also found that a number of challenges were faced in protecting Palopo from radical ideologies and acts: 1) Palopo is a strategic area; 2) It is a multicultural and multireligious area; 3) Young generations are the most-wanted targets; and 4) the society has a lack of sense of caring of others.