Densus 88 Arrests 7 Suspects for Alleged Terror Threats Against Pope Francis' Jakarta Visit

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian counterterrorism special unit, Detachment 88 (Densus 88), arrested seven individuals allegedly provoking people on social media about Pope Francis’ visit to Jakarta. These individuals are HFP, LB, DF, FA, HS, ER, and RS.

“Yes, it’s true,” said Densus 88’s Spokesperson, Senior Commissioner Aswin Siregar, as confirmed by Tempo on Friday, September 6, 2024.

Based on the official statement of Densus 88, the seven individuals came from various regions, including Bangka Belitung, West Sumatra, Jakarta, and West Java. The following is how the suspects posted inflammatory comments against Pope Francis’ visit:

1. HFP

HFP called for documenting and studying Istiqlal Mosque’s security protocols ahead of the Pope's visit to Jakarta. The suspect also planned to send somebody to check the mosque’s security protocols.

HFP was arrested on Monday evening, September 2, 2024, at Jalan Panaragan Kidul, Panaragan, Central Bogor, Bogor City, West Java. 

2. LB

LB uploaded a threatening picture of a bomb in the comment section of Tempo's Instagram post about the Pope’s arrival. LB was then arrested on Monday at around 09:37 p.m. Jakarta Time at Jalan Gunuk H. Taya, East Pejaten, Pasar Minggu, South Jakarta.

3. DF

DF made a provocative post about carrying out an attack during Pope Francis’ apostolic visit to Jakarta. DF was arrested on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at 07:15 a.m. at Jalan Dalang 1, Pengasinan Village, Rawalumbu, Bekasi.

4. FA

FA provoked people on social media to burn down places of worship or churches during the Pope’s visit. FA was arrested on Tuesday at around 08:13 a.m. at Jalan Pahlawan, Aren Jaya, East Bekasi, Bekasi City.

5. HS

HS posted a threatening comment on the Bishops’ Conference of Indonesia’s YouTube channel. HS posted as follows: “I WILL BOMB THE POPE.. I’M A TERRORIST…BE VIGILANT…WAIT FOR NEWS.”

HS was arrested on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at 01:30 p.m. at the Bangka Belitung Provincial Settlement Infrastructure Office.

6. ER

ER, using an ABU MUSTAQIIM account on Facebook posted a provocative word, "...BBBOOOMMM...!!!” or “bomb” in response to Pope Francis’ visit to Istiqlal Mosque. In addition, ER pledged allegiance to the terror group ISIS in 2014.

ER was arrested on Wednesday at 08:53 p.m. at Alfamart Sukajaya, Jalan Al Huda 1 Sukajaya, Cibitung District, Bekasi Regency.

7. RS

RS made an incendiary post on TikTok on Thursday, September 5, 2024, at 04:12 p.m. He posted a shooting threat against Pope Francis as follows: “I’m at the (Presidential) Palace, going to shoot the Pope.” 

RS was then arrested on Thursday at 07:35 in Sungai Batuang, Padang Kandang Village, Pulau Air Padang Bintungan, Nan Sabaris District, Padang Pariaman Regency, West Sumatra.

Authorities will proceed with the case against the seven individuals. Densus 88 will handle DF and FA’s cases. Meanwhile, the Metro Jaya Police Department will handle the cases against RHF, LB, and ER will be carried out by Polda Metro Jaya accompanied by Densus 88. 

Bangka Belitung Police will handle HS’s case, assisted by Densus 88. "For RS, Padang Pariaman Resort Police will handle the case, assisted by Densus 88 AT," wrote Densus 88 in an official statement.

AMELIA RAHIMA SARI

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