Police: One of Terrorist Suspects Took Oath in FPI HQ

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Police revealed that one of the seven terrorist suspects, who are members of Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD) militant group arrested in Makassar, South Sulawesi, had taken an oath of allegiance or baiat at the headquarter of Islamic Defenders Front (FPI).

The member is identified as AS a.k.a EKA a.k.a AR. He was arrested after the police developed the investigation of the suicide bombing case at Makassar Cathedral Church committed by L and YSF alias D on March 28, 2021. Twenty people were injured in the incident.

“His roles incuded: join in the planning, follow teachings at Villa Mutiara (the headquarter of the terrorist suspects), and took an oath at FPI HQ, [the organization] that is now already restricted, as well as join the organization,” said the police spokesman Sr. Comr. Ahmad Ramadhan today in his office, South Jakarta. 

Other than AS, the police’s anti-terror squad Densus 88 arrested SAS, MR, AA, MM, M, and MAN. The seven terrorist suspects are still being investigated.

Ramadan explained that SAS knew when L and YSF would carry out the terror act, while MR conducted a survey to the targeted location. “AA's roles were similar [to AS], [which were:] join in the planning, the teachings, and took baiat to Abu Bakar Al Bhagdadi in Villa Mutiara. MM also kew the plan and gave motivation,” he added.

M who is the brother-in-law of SAS and M a.k.a MAN were arrested on March 29, 2021. Ramadan said that M saw the suicide bomber L departing to the Makassar Cathedral Church.

Until now, Tempo has not yet received a statement from former FPI officials.

Read: Terrorist Suspects Frequently Attend Rizieq Shihab Trial, Police Say

ANDITA RAHMA