Terror Attacks in Jakarta: Police Arrests 3 People in Depok
Early in the morning of Friday (15/01), Indonesia's counter terrorism squad (known as Densus 88) arrested three people in connection with the terrorist attacks that occurred in Central Jakarta on Thursday. The attacks yesterday led to seven casualties (two civilians and five terrorists) as well as more than 20 injured people. Today's arrests were made in Depok, located not far from Indonesia's capital city of Jakarta.
Separately, Police spokesman Muhammad Iqbal and local Police Chief Colonel Dwiyono informed media that the tree persons were arrested because they are suspected militants linked to Indonesian Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) fighter Bahrun Naim. Bahrun Naim is believed to be in the Syrian city of Raqqa and is suspected of being the mastermind behind the Jakarta attacks. However, the identities of the three men in Depok (and their suspected involvement in the vicious attacks) were not revealed by the Indonesian police.
Bahrun Naim is a former Internet cafe owner as well as ex-terrorism convict who has become a key member of a growing militant network in Indonesia. In 2014 he moved to the Middle East to join ISIS and he is believed to be the person in chief of ISIS’ Southeast Asia wing.
Yesterday's attacks in Jakarta were centered around the Sarinah department store mall, the adjacent Starbucks cafe and the small police booth located on the crossroad in front of Sarinah and Starbucks. This area is an important shopping and business center within Jakarta's Central Business District. The militants used bombs and gunfire to make victims (targeting at Indonesian police officials and foreigners). Responsibility for the attacks have been claimed by ISIS.
Looking at the reactions of Indonesians on social media, the attacks on Thursday were met with howls of derisive laughter and mockery because five terrorist 'only' managed to make two victims, while the five terrorist themselves were all killed. Many Indonesians posted pictures on Facebook and Twitter with texts such as "Indonesia is not afraid".
Further Reading:
• Radical Islam in Indonesia: Overview & Analysis
• Terrorist Attack Jakarta: Explosions & Gunfire in Central Jakarta - Update