STRATEGIC ASSESSMENT. While analysts and a former militant doubt the Indonesian Islamic State’s (NII) ability to overthrow the government, they warned that if left unchecked, the group could become “massive” and enable it to realize its goal of toppling the democratic government of President Jokowi and replacing it with an Islamic Caliphate. Sofyan Tsauri, former member of al-Qaeda Southeast Asia said the claim of NII overthrowing the government is “somewhat exaggerated” as the group’s strength is limited.
What is worrying about NII, says Sofyan, is the group’s ideology which has been “a launching pad” for many to become involved in terror groups. Indonesian Moderates’ Network’s Islah Bahrawi said NII has branches in Lampung on Sumatra island, Maluku Islands, Bali, Central and West Java. NII has been undergoing training on how to use machetes and bows and arrows in clandestine training camps.
Densus 88 anti-terrorism squad official Aswin Siregar on Friday said members of West Sumatra and South Tangerang NII arrested recently are suspected to be descendants of Sekarmadji Maridjan Kartosoewirjo, an Indonesian who spearheaded the Darul Islam/Islamic Armed Forces of Indonesia (DI/TII) rebellion from 1949 to 1962, thus making them related to the former NII.
Kartosoewirjo founded the NII based on Islamic sharia law and proclaimed it on Aug. 7, 1949. The formation of the NII was based on Kartosoewirjo’s disappointment against the central government. Some of the arrested suspects claimed to be NII “white line.” Aswin said the group wanted to continue Kartosoewirjo’s struggle regardless of blood relations.
Presidential Staff Office (KSP) Chair Moeldoko on Saturday said the NII had changed its strategy, from employing armed contact in the past to now trying to win the “heart and mind” of its recruits.
Other issue is the Papuan terrorist separatist group on Friday burned PT Martha Tunggal Teknik (PT MTT) building in Puncak Regency, attacked security officers in Batas Batu, and shot at a military and police patrol car in Kenyam. West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB)–Free Papua Movement (OPM) spokesperson Sebby Sambom said his group was responsible for the attacks. The attacks killed one soldier and wounded another.
