Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) Terrorist Group Disbands, Urges Peace in Indonesia
Former senior leaders of the defunct terrorist group Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) have embarked on a nationwide tour to persuade ex-members to disarm and reintegrate into Indonesian society. At a recent gathering in Bekasi, these leaders made an urgent appeal for peace and unity. Their aim is to prevent regrouping or affiliation with splinter groups. Bekasi is a satellite town of Jakarta.
Counter terrorist police arrested former JI leader, Abu Rusdan in 2021. Finally, in 2024, he spoke to an audience of 400 former JI members via videoconference on September 8. He urged his comrades to surrender any weapons they still possessed and cooperate with the authorities. “Go ahead, turn yourself in. If you have any arms, surrender them. You will not be detained,” he said. His message marked a significant moment in the tour. The tour follows the June dissolution of JI. The group is notorious for its role in the 2002 Bali bombings.
Indonesia’s national police counter terrorist squad, Detachment 88, is supporting the outreach tour. Similar events have taken place in Yogyakarta, Jambi, and Mataram. Moreover, this reflects a broad effort to dissuade former militants from engaging in further violent terrorist activities.
All former JI members will still face prosecution
The Indonesian police have stated clearly that all former JI members would face prosecution. Despite this, their former JI leaders emphasized that those who turn themselves in would receive special consideration based on their involvement.
In his address, Rusdan highlighted that the teachings used to justify JI’s actions were based on inaccurate interpretations of Islam. Subsequently, he reminded members that there was no fatwa declaring Indonesia as an enemy of Islam and that peace should be pursued. He also added that terrorist activities was not the way forward.
While some members expressed full support for JI’s dissolution, others, particularly those who made personal sacrifices for the group, have struggled to accept the decision. However, leaders like Rusdan and former JI chief Para Wijayanto remain optimistic that these individuals will eventually embrace peace.
