Jakarta, CNN Indonesia —
Special Detachment (Densus) 88 Anti-terror Police conducted an operation to arrest 53 suspects terrorist in the past week, from 12-17 August. The police claimed that the suspected terrorists wanted to carry out a terrorist act during the 76th Republic of Indonesia’s Birthday (HUT).
“This is in accordance with the statements of several suspects that we arrested. Yes indeed, the JI group itself and he wanted to use the moment of August 17, the independence day,” said the Head of the Public Relations Division of the Police, Inspector General Argo Yuwono at a press conference at the National Police Headquarters, Jakarta, Friday. 20/8).
Argo said the terrorist suspects were part of the Jamaah Islamiyah (JI) and Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD) groups.
Argo suspects that 53 suspected terrorists were arrested in 11 provinces, namely North Sumatra (North Sumatra), Jambi, Lampung, Banten, West Java (Jabar), Central Java (Central Java), East Java (East Java).
Then, South Sulawesi (South Sulawesi), Maluku, West Kalimantan (West Kalimantan) and East Kalimantan (Kaltim).
According to him, the arrest was made after Densus 88 carried out profiling and investigations related to the planned activities of the terrorist network. According to him, every agenda made by this terrorist network in the past has a connection until now.
“So this is a long history, not just once because several incidents from JI have been carried out,” said Argo.
In his presentation, Argo revealed that some of the suspects arrested were high-ranking officials or officials in the network. Some of them were JI heads or treasurers who were involved in the organization’s funding process.
This JI network utilizes a charity that he formed under the name Syam Organizer to raise funds from the public and later use it for JI operations.
“Then we secured a lot of evidence. There is a charity box, then there is an infaq box, homemade firearms, there are bullets, there is also a gun, and some books,” he said.
Meanwhile, according to the Head of Banops Densus 88 Anti-Terror Police, Aswin Siregar, JI is an astute terrorist organization. This group is said to have carried out many clandestine movements to avoid detection by the authorities.
According to him, it is not impossible for the terrorist network to participate in politics in Indonesia.
“We remind you that the Jamaah Islamiyah network is very good at adapting to the existing conditions. Maybe it is involved in politics, infiltrating society and then using methods that look peaceful, safe,” Aswin told reporters, Friday (20/8).
A number of modus operandi of fundraising carried out by JI were also carried out quietly and looked good. For example, using charity boxes or holding other activities with Islamic religious nuances.
In the last three years, said Aswin, the arrests of suspected terrorists from the JI network have always experienced a drastic increase. According to him, the number of catches is a lot when compared to other groups.
“In 2019 there were 25 people, in 2020 there were 64 people and now (2021) until August alone there are 123 people,” he said.
“From the large number of arrests, we must remain vigilant and maintain security in our respective areas,” said Aswin.
Jamaah Islamiyah is a terror organization spread across Southeast Asia. This group was responsible for the Bali bombings in 2002.
The National Police Headquarters had stated that at least 6,000 members and sympathizers were members of JI. They are thought to have moved from place to place frequently.
CNNIndonesia.com have not been able to confirm the statement of the Police to other related parties, including the Syam Organizer. A number of numbers listed on the agency’s website could not be reached when contacted. The office in Yogyakarta also looked deserted when visited some time ago.
(mjo / agn)
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