Indonesian Terror Group Jamaah Islamiyah Officially Disbands
In a significant development in the fight against global terrorism, the Indonesian terrorist group Jamaah Islamiyah (JI), responsible for the devastating 2002 Bali bombings, has officially disbanded. This announcement follows a series of ceremonies involving thousands of former members across Indonesia, culminating in a large-scale event in Surakarta, Central Java.
The disbandment comes after years of concerted counterterrorism efforts by Indonesian authorities. The National Police’s counterterrorism unit, Densus 88, played a crucial role, leading the deradicalization program that ultimately led to JI’s self-dissolution. “The commitment of former JI members is evident in their willingness to abide by the law and facilitate our contact with 11 JI fugitives we have been pursuing for years,” stated Insp. Gen. Sentot Prasetyo, chief of Densus 88.
The disbandment has paved the way for a repatriation program targeting 26 Indonesian former JI members currently serving as “foreign fighters” in Syria and the Philippines. While details remain scarce,the plan underscores Indonesia’s commitment to addressing the threat posed by returning foreign fighters,a concern shared by many nations globally,including the United States.
The repatriation effort is complemented by a broader deradicalization initiative. “We will also assist with the paroles of Abu Rusydan and Para Wijayanto,” announced Comr. Gen. Eddy Hartono,head of the National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT),referring to two former JI leaders who played key roles in the group’s dissolution. Abu Rusydan, also known as Thoriquddin, has a lengthy history with JI, including a 2022 conviction for supporting the group and a prior conviction in 2004 for harboring a key figure in the 2002 Bali bombings.
The impact extends beyond the repatriation and parole efforts. Imtihan Syafi’i, a former JI leader, highlighted the ongoing curriculum revisions in approximately 90 JI-affiliated Islamic boarding schools (pesantren) across Indonesia. “We’ve evaluated our teachings, especially behaviors and thoughts that lead to extremism. However,it won’t happen overnight,” Syafi’i acknowledged.
The disbandment ceremony was attended by high-ranking officials, including Law Minister Supratman Andi Agtas, Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf, and National Police chief Gen. Listyo Sigit Prabowo. Gen. Prabowo stated that authorities “welcome the return of former JI members into the fold of the Indonesian state,” signaling a commitment to reintegration and rehabilitation.
The dismantling of JI marks a significant victory in the global fight against terrorism. However, the challenges of deradicalization, reintegration, and preventing the resurgence of extremist ideologies remain. The Indonesian government’s thorough approach, combining law enforcement, deradicalization, and community engagement, serves as a potential model for other nations grappling with similar issues.
