TEMPO.CO, Depok - Head of Mampang Village, Depok, Andri Yudisprana, 37, said Firman Hidayat who was arrested for being a suspected member of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) is a former member of the Republic of South Maluku (RMS) separatist group.
"He [Firman] is a former mujahid (a man who defended Islam) fighter and member of the RMS," Andri said at his house yesterday. Before becoming a resident of Depok three years ago, Firman was the separatist group’s post guard in Ambon.
Since he felt his job was monotonous, he went back home in Bukit Duri, Jakarta. "But, when he was returning home, he was arrested by the RMS and beaten. He was suspected of deserting the group," said Andri.
Firman suffered a wound on his mouth and lost a tooth due to the beating. He was successfully taken home by his family through his father’s network, Mudaharim Firdaus Silalahi who works at the Customs. Before he was taken home from Maluku to Jakarta, the ice-cream seller had disappeared. His family thought he was dead. "Later he was found at a harbor," Andri said.
Depok Police chief, Sr. Comr. Ahmad Kartiko confirmed that Firman was in Ambon in 2001 to become a volunteer. However, Ahmad refused to give further details on what kind of volunteer. "He was there for just a year, but he didn’t like it, so he went home."
ILHAM TIRTA