STATUS, AND CHALLENGES IN COUNTERING VIOLENT EXTREMISM IN PATIKUL, SULU: TOWARDS PEACEFUL RESOLUTION MODEL

This study investigates the status and challenges of initiatives against violent extremism in Patikul, Sulu, focusing on the efforts of the sectoral group Tulung Tupah Sug Inc. Utilizing a descriptive-qualitative research design, the study aims to delineate the scope of violent extremism countermeasures and to identify encountered challenges. Specifically, it evaluates the extent to which the sectoral group's actions in community participation, youth development programs, and the promotion of peace and development align with expectations. Through focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and document analysis, the research highlights the sectoral group's success in enhancing community participation and livelihood programs, conducting youth-oriented symposiums and sports activities, and fostering communication among adults and religious leaders for peace and development. The findings underscore the importance of community engagement, resilience, economic development, and law enforcement in formulating a peaceful resolution model to counter violent extremism in Patikul, Sulu. The study proposes a model based on these pillars and recommends its adoption for mitigating violent extremism in the region.

Keywords: Peaceful Resolution Model, community engagement; community resilience; economic development, and law enforcement