The relationship between poverty and terrorism is complex and diverse. While poverty can undoubtedly produce conditions conducive to radicalisation, comparing the two is a massive generalisation. Economic hardship, lack of opportunity, and societal problems might make people vulnerable to radical ideas. These elements might create a sense of purpose and belonging to marginalised people. However, it is crucial to understand that terrorism is frequently motivated by complicated political, religious, or social problems. Poverty is a catalyst rather than a single ignition trigger in this case.
Poverty and terrorism can combine to create a situation in which persons affected by poverty can become terrorists by joining the group or become poorer as a result of the destruction of economic resources caused by terrorism. Nunez-Chaim and Pape (2022) suggested that a case study acquired in Somalia showed that the consumption of households exposed to terrorist activities fell by one-third, attributing especially to a decline in food consumption. Following a terrorist attack, less availability of food and increased costs disrupt the economy and impact welfare circumstances.
In Indonesia, where a complex society persists, poverty and acts of terrorism may appear more interconnected. The Jemaah Islamiyah (JI), for instance, shows the complex relationship between poverty and terrorism, as stated by Fathkuri (2012). While radical ideology proved the group’s crucial inspiration, economic issues played an important role in its popularity. Many early members were from marginalised groups facing financial difficulties and closed opportunities.
Moreover, Mitra (2008) states that poverty can generate terrorist activity, but it is not the sole factor. Other necessary and facilitating factors are needed for terrorism to occur. Therefore, poverty alone does not cause terrorism. Thus, it is critical to avoid overly simplifying the situation. Poverty alone may not equate to terrorism fully. Yet, not so many underprivileged Indonesians have successfully avoided the persuasive force of extremism. Poverty and terrorism indeed have no mutually exclusive relationship since other factors like education, social networks, and government policies all affect things Obo said in 2020. Yet, Siddique (2012) argued how terrorism is linked to poverty, suggesting that poverty is considered a root cause of terrorist violence. Therefore, there is still a thorough grasp of these processes to create effective counterterrorism tactics.
Therefore, economic-driven community building is one of the best ways to tackle almost all the roots of extremism. What is community economy? And why can it be the penultimate solution? Rosand, in 2016, argued that the community is the first compound to tackle extremism. Then, a community economy varies from conventional economic models by emphasising sustainability and local well-being more than maximising profits. Newman et al. (1986) argued that its fundamental goal is to satisfy the needs of community members by aggregating resources and making decisions as a group. Community economies strongly emphasise local production and consumption to promote resilience and self-sufficiency by lowering dependency on broad supply networks.
Additionally, these systems promote social fairness by guaranteeing an equitable distribution of opportunities and money among community members. This strategy contributes to creating a more inclusive society by bridging economic gaps. Another critical component is a significant focus on environmental sustainability since community economies frequently place a high value on resource conservation and eco-friendly operations. The ultimate objective is establishing a just and environmentally friendly community with genuine economic and social stakes. Therefore, theoretically, it could help combatants or terrorists restart their lives in society as part of the rehabilitation and reintegration process.
Thus, how about its application in Indonesia? How do these steps to combat extremism prevent terrorist actions? As Indonesia is predominantly a Muslim country, thus Islamic communities’ development through the economy becomes one of the vital keys to tackling extremism that can lead to terrorist actions. Masjids that are scattered across Indonesia can be catalyst agents in this scheme. Masjid, through Islamic community economics, zakat, and waqf funds can be used to reduce poverty. Zakat and waqf revenues raised from pilgrim donations have thus far been used solely to renovate the mosque’s construction. It is rarely employed for the benefit of the disadvantaged. The existing use of mosque cash must be diverted to save the poor and thus, oversimply, save from a path that can lead to actions of terrorism based on mutual benefit or shared prosperity.
Zakaria (2010) stated that limited opportunities impact unemployment, which has ramifications for people’s poverty, resulting in radicalistic motivation. Then, zakat, infaq, or sadaqah demonstrates its ability to provide a practical or concrete answer in at least helping individuals overcome poverty. Why not? Everyone who owns the asset and has attained the minimum wealth and time limit must pay zakat at a percentage determined by Sharia. Zakat will later be distributed to the impoverished and underprivileged. It is intended to narrow the socioeconomic divide between the rich and the poor. There is no longer a sense of mutual suspicion and intimidation. Because the rich are concerned for the fate of the poor, the poor also feel protected by the compensation provided by the elite. Therefore, radicalistic motivation could be suppressed to prevent terrorist actions that may appear with an economic or jealousy base or prevent relapsing back to the wrong path for certain people.
REFERENCES
Fatkhuri, Fatkhuri. “Faktor Pendukung Terbentuknya Radikalisme dan Terorisme di Indonesia.” ResearchGate, July 3, 2012. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/318054171_FAKTOR_PENDUKUNG_TERBENTUKNYA_RADIKALISME_DAN_TERORISME_DI_INDONESIA.
Mitra, Siddharta. “Poverty and terrorism.” The Economics of Peace and Security Journal 3, no. 2 (July 3, 2008). https://doi.org/10.15355/epsj.3.2.57.
Newman, Lynda Henry, Deborah M. Lyon, and Warren B. Philp. “Community economic development : an approach for urban-based economies,” 1986. https://winnspace.uwinnipeg.ca/handle/10680/948.
Nunez-Chaim, Gonzalo, and Utz Pape. “Relationship between poverty and violence against civilians. Evidence from Somalia.” World Bank Blogs, March 16, 2024. https://blogs.worldbank.org/en/developmenttalk/relationship-between-poverty-and-violence-against-civilians-evidence-somalia#:~:text=Round%202%20expanded%20the%20coverage,economy%20and%20affect%20welfare%20conditions.
Obo. “Terrorism and Poverty,” n.d. https://www.oxfordbibliographies.com/display/document/obo-9780199743292/obo-9780199743292-0296.xml.
Rosand, Eric. Communities First: A Blueprint for Organizing and Sustaining a Global Movement Against Violent Extremism, 2016. https://www.unodc.org/documents/brussels/News/Communities_First_December_2016.pdf.
Siddique, Basil. “Does Poverty Fuel Terrorism?” SSRN Electronic Journal, January 1, 2012. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2184390.
Zakaria, Samsul. “Islam dan Pengentasan Kemiskinan.” Fakultas Ilmu Agama Islam UII Yogyakarta, December 3, 2010. https://fis.uii.ac.id/blog/2010/12/03/islam-dan-pengentasan-kemiskinan/.