31-10-2023 (JAKARTA) Indonesia’s counter-terrorism unit has taken into custody 59 individuals suspected of having affiliations with extremist groups, including loyalists of the Islamic State-inspired Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD). The suspects are believed to have been planning to disrupt an upcoming election, as confirmed by a spokesperson for the counter-terrorism unit on Tuesday.
Among the detained individuals, 19 were associated with the Jemaah Islamiah (JI) network, which has historical ties to al Qaeda, while the remaining 40 suspects had affiliations with JAD, a group that has pledged allegiance to the Islamic State (IS).
Aswin Siregar, spokesperson for the Densus 88 counter-terrorism taskforce, revealed that the JAD militants were suspected of plotting attacks aimed at disrupting the presidential and legislative elections scheduled for February 14. He explained that, in their view, elections are considered immoral and contrary to Islamic law. Their intentions include attacking police facilities, with the ultimate aim of canceling the election. However, Aswin did not provide specific details about the suspected attack plans.
The suspects were apprehended during a series of operations conducted from October 2 to October 28. Law enforcement also seized firearms and chemicals used in bomb-making during these operations.
Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim country, has a history of militant attacks, particularly in the years following the September 11, 2001, attacks on the United States. The 2002 bombings on the holiday island of Bali, which claimed the lives of over 200 people, mostly Australian tourists, were believed to have been orchestrated by the Jemaah Islamiah (JI).
In recent years, security analysts have noted a significant reduction in the militant threat, largely due to successful operations carried out by security forces.
Aswin also warned that the recent pro-Palestinian protests and fundraising activities in the wake of Middle East violence could trigger anger and incite further militant attacks. He cautioned that these activities “raise passions to commit terrorist acts.”
