Report examines activist radicalization

BRUSSELS, May 21 (UPI) -- The potential of radicalizing non-violent activists in Indonesia remains a potent possibility, a report from the International Crisis Group says.

The Belgium-based non-governmental organization released a report documenting the potential of extremists in Indonesia being able to indoctrinate and turn a non-violent activist into a bomber, the Crisis Group reported.

The report, titled "Indonesia: Radicalization of the 'Palembang Group,'" examines the trial of 10 men sentenced on terrorism charges from Palembang in Sumatra, Indonesia, and their transformation into radicalism. Despite the recent wane of radicalism in Indonesia, officials warn turning someone into a terrorist is potentially "easy."

"The sobering revelation is how easy the transformation can be, if the right ingredients are present," Sidney Jones, Crisis Group Asia program senior adviser, said in a statement.

"In this case, the most important element in turning the group toward violence was charismatic leadership, provided by two fugitives."