TEMPO.CO, Medan - The police today are searching the home of one of the men who attacked the Police Headquarter's post in North Sumatra last night.
The attacker broke into the police office and stabbed an officer to death.
The home is located at Medan Denai sub-district in Medan, belonging to Syawaluddin Pakpahan, known by his neighbors as a private person.
It was revealed that several years ago Syawaluddin intended to join ISIS militants in Syria. "One of last night's attackers went to Syria," North Sumatera Police Chief Insp. Gen. Rycko Amelza Dahniel confirmed.
Read: Two Men Attacked N. Sumatra Police HQ, 2 Killed, 1 Critical
When questioned, his neighbors were shocked by Syawaluddin's act of terror. Neighborhood chief Heri Isnaini said Syawaluddin seemed like a normal guy who makes money selling cigarettes.
Syawaluddin has lived in the area for about 20 years. "He is an active member of the Muslims Forum (Forum Umat Islam)," Heri said.
The National Police’s Densus 88 counterterrorism squad has arrested several key members of the forum for possible links to terrorist acts.
The two men attacked the police post at around 3 am Sunday, June 25. One of the men, AR, died after being shot by the police. Another attacker, SP, is in critical condition.
Because of the attack, a police officer, First Inspector Martua Sigalingging, died from a stab wound.
SAHAT SIMATUPANG
