Ex-ISIS Fighter Reacts to Indonesia Dropping Repatriation Plan

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - An Indonesian national considered as a former Indonesian ISIS militant abroad said she is at loss for words following the Indonesian government’s decision to abort the repatriation plan of Indonesians currently residing at terrorist detention camps abroad. 

“I’m speechless,” said Aleeyah on Tuesday, February 11. Aleeyah is a former Indonesian ISIS fighter using a pseudonym that Tempo reached via social media chat service. 

However, Aleeyah doubts the government’s decision will last. “Is that their final decision? I heard before that they plan to discuss it in a meeting and will come up with an answer in May,” she asked. 

Despite accepting the reality facing her in the future, the former ISIS fighter still places hope that the Indonesian government would change their mind on the matter. 

‘Today they might say no, but who knows if they have a change of heart in the future. I don’t know what to say, maybe Allah has prepared a better plan,” she said. 

Previously, Coordinating Minister Mahfud MD announced that the government has decided not to repatriate Indonesian nationals who fought for the global terrorist group abroad. The reason behind it is mainly to protect the livelihood of 267 million Indonesians. However, he said repatriating children under 10-years of age will still be considered. 

FRISKI RIANA