TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Terrorists' observer Al Chaidar has claimed members of the Islamic State of Iraq and Greater Syria (ISIS) to have successfully converted 2 million Indonesian people. Although there was no supporting data, he said to have received the information directly from his co-worker who joined the group in Iraq. "This claim came from a former ISIS member who has returned to Indonesia," Al Chaidir said to Tempo Saturday.
In 2013, he surmised 56 Indonesians from various Muslim organizations and trading groups left for Iraq to join the group. They met during their journey to Saudi Arabia for haj or umrah pilgrimages. From the number above, approximately 16 people have returned to Indonesia and continue to recruit members in their respective regions.
The ISIS members have returned and recruited 2 million people who were spread out in a number of Indonesian regions. Besides Java, the group has also requited members in East and South Kalimantan, Medan, Lampung, Riau and Madura. They recruit people of 30 to 40 years old, and majority are members of radical organizations in Indonesia.
FRANSISCO ROSARIANS