27-1-2024 (JAKARTA) The National Police’s Special Detachment 88 (Densus 88), the counter-terrorism unit, has successfully apprehended 10 terrorist suspects in Central Java. The arrests were part of a series of operations aimed at ensuring the security of the upcoming general election and regional elections in Indonesia.
The operations took place in four regions of Central Java, specifically Surakarta, Sukoharjo, Karanganyar, and Boyolali. Central Java Police spokesperson Sr. Comr. Satake Bayu provided details of the arrests, stating, “One terrorist suspect was arrested in Karanganyar, three in Boyolali, five in Sukoharjo, and another one in Surakarta.”
Among the suspects is Mujiono, who is identified as the head of a neighborhood unit (RT) in Moho village, Surakarta. Mujiono is also known for selling goods at the Klitikan Notoharjo market. According to a neighbor named Suprapto, Densus 88 apprehended Mujiono after the dawn prayers at Al Badar mosque. Suprapto recounted the incident, stating, “[Mujiono] went to the mosque at dawn. Later, his wife and child were looking for him, asking why he hadn’t returned home. At 10 a.m., community protection officers notified the family, saying she had ‘guests.’ Then [Mujiono’s wife] found out that there were already a lot of police [at her home].”
Suprapto also mentioned that he witnessed the Densus 88 unit carrying various items from Mujiono’s house, including a bow and arrow set and an air rifle.
Densus 88 spokesperson Sr. Comr. Aswin Siregar revealed that the team had been closely monitoring the suspects before making the arrests. He added, “Investigators are still working in the field. Please give us more time. We will provide updates later through the National Police’s public relations department.”
Earlier, National Police Chief Gen. Listyo Sigit Prabowo had instructed all police officers to remain vigilant against potential terrorist activities during the elections. He referred to the incidents of terrorism that occurred during the 2019 elections and emphasized the need to prevent such occurrences in the upcoming 2024 elections. The general election is scheduled for February 14, while the regional elections will take place on November 27.
In October of the previous year, the anti-terrorism squad arrested 59 suspected militants, including individuals associated with the Islamic State-inspired Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD), who were suspected of planning to disrupt the elections.
According to the police, 19 of those arrested were linked to the Jemaah Islamiah (JI) network, which has connections to al Qaeda, while 40 suspects were affiliated with JAD, a group that has pledged allegiance to the Islamic State (IS) movement.
Aswin stated, “For them, elections are immoral and against Islamic law. They plan to attack police facilities. It relates to their main goal, which is to cancel the election.” However, he did not provide further details regarding the suspected plots.
During the operations, conducted from October 2 to October 28, the police confiscated firearms and bomb-making chemicals from the suspects, further ensuring the safety and security of the upcoming elections.
