TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The National Police's anti-terror squad Densus 88 arrested 13 suspected terrorists linked to the Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD) terror group in three regions after the suicide bombing at the Makassar Cathedral Church. The arrests took place in Jakarta; Makassar, South Sulawesi; and Bima, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB).

"In Makassar, we secure four people identified as US, SAS, MR, and AA. They and L and YSF [two suicide bombers at the Cathedral Church] are members of the same group in Villa Mutiara," said Sigit at the South Sulawesi Police Headquarters in an online press conference on Monday, March 29, 2021.

Sigit said that US, SAS, MR, and AA indoctrinated and prepared plans for L and YSF to commit the suicide bombing. Those JAD members also purchased materials used to create bombs.

In Jakarta, Densus 88 caught four suspected terrorists named ZA, AA, AJ, and DS. From the arrest, the National Police conducted searches in Bekasi of West Java and Condet of East Jakarta.

Sigit explained that the team confiscated five large jars filled with chemicals and a thermometer from the searches. "These materials will be processed into explosives amounting to approximately 4 kilograms. In addition, 1.5 kilograms of TATP [triacetone triperoxide, a highly explosive material] are found," he added.

Densus 88 also detained five suspected terrorists in Bima, NTB. Sigit said that the team is still developing the arrests.

Sigit appealed to the public to remain calm and not panic. "It is our duty to investigate terror cases thoroughly," he remarked.

As widely reported, the suicide bombing took place at the gate of the Cathedral Church on Jalan Kajaolalido, MH Thamrin, Makassar City, South Sulawesi Province, on Sunday morning, March 28, 2021. As a result of the explosion, 20 security personnel and churchgoers were injured. They are undergoing treatment in a number of hospitals.

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ANDITA RAHMA