RADICALISM AND EXTREMISM FROM STUDENTS^ PERSPECTIVE: EXPERIENCE OF STUDENT LEADERS AT USIM AND UNISBA
Dr Siti Suriani Othman (a*) , Dr Marina Munira Abdul Mutalib (a), Dr Kartini Kamaruzzaman (a), Selvarani Kovilpilai (a), Dr. Anne Ratnasari (b), Dr. Ferry Darmawan (b) & Dr. Oji Kurniawan

a)Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia
*suriani[at]usim.edu.my

a) Universitas Islam Bandung

Abstract

Radicalism and extremism are tendencies that might influence anybody including university students. History shown that we have seen those cases destroying students^ life and some people blame the university administration for that. Hence, it is necessary for us to examine how much exposure is given in class and what kind of university programs organised at Islamic universities that contribute to understanding the danger of radicalism and extremism. Besides that, specific Islamic principles are identified to increase understanding of radicalism and extremism among students. Views and experiences of students from Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) and Universiti Islam Bandung (UNISBA) are examined from focus group discussion which comprises five students from each university. The students are selected student leaders who might have involved directly or indirectly in campaigning for deradicalism or solving student issues related to radicalism and extremism. The findings of this study suggest that the teaching of Islam itself, does not encourage radicalism and extremism among students. Exposure in class and certain type of university programs also help them to understand the danger of radicalism and extremism which is seem as a long term effect that affect how they think and react on such issues.

Keywords: radicalism, extremism, USIM, UNISBA, students^ experience, student leaders.

Topic: Human Wellbeing in Islam