TEMPO.CO, Purwakarta - Agus Marshal, former leader of a terrorist group part of the 'Cikampek network', claimed to have known the recent Bandung bombing suspect Yayat Cahdiyat.

"I knew him as a fellow member of the Marshal Cikampek Muslim congregation group," Agus said on Monday, February 27, 2017. "But I don't know the exact address,"Agus added.

Agus himself currently live at Cibening Village in Purwakarta. Agus was once imprisoned together with Yayat Cahdiyat, Bebas Iriana, and Enjang Somantri, under robbery charges. Agus chose to open a livestock business four years after his release.

Agus said that he once participated in a paramilitary training that was held by a terrorist network in Janto, Aceh, together with yayat, Bebas, and Enjang.

In between his tight schedule, Agus participated in a number of deradicalization programs that was held by an Ideology School that was initiated by Purwakartan Regent, Dedi Mulyadi.

Dedi confirmed that Agus once participated in the school he initiated. "We did [the program] because it's a responsibility as a regional head," Dedi said.

Dedi argued that the main problem faced by terrorist suspects after being released from prison is that they have lost their lives. "That is why, when Agus was released from prison, we provided him with starting capital to open a livestock business and for his family's daily expenses. So that he could live in peace and would not turn to terrorism again," Dedi said.

NANANG SUTISNA