TEMPO.CO, Palembang - The Police's anti-terrorism squad, Densus 88, arrested two suspected terrorists from the illegal organization Islamic State of Indonesia (NII) in Martapura, Ogan Komering Ulu (OKU) Timur, South Sumatra (Sumsel).

The Chief of East OKU Resort Police, Adj. Sr. Comsr. Kevin Leleury, stated that the two suspected terrorists are MD (51 years old) and MA (49 years old), residents of East OKU, who have been under police surveillance for some time.

They were arrested on Tuesday, November 19, 2024. "MD was arrested near his home at about 05:30 a.m, while MA was arrested on the street at about 07:30 a.m. as he was returning from taking his child to school," said Kevin Leleury in his statement on Wednesday, November 20, 2024.

MD is a resident of Triyoso Village, while MA is a resident of Sidorahayu Village, Belitang Subdistrict, East OKU Regency. MD works as an online coffee trader, while MA helps his wife sell cosmetics in a shop.

During the search of the two men's homes, the Densus 88 team found several pieces of evidence, including cell phones, clothes, and several documents and books about the terrorist network.

"Both the suspects and the evidence were immediately taken to Palembang for further examination and investigation," said Kevin.

Kevin, who was previously part of Densus 88, explained that these two suspected terrorists, MD and MA, are not active cells. They are part of the Sumatran terrorist network.

"They have studied radical ideologies, conducted training outside the East OKU region, and communicated with their networks in Jakarta and surrounding areas," Kevin said.

The Police Chief stated that the police will continue to cooperate with all parties to ensure public safety and to suppress the spread of radical ideologies in the East OKU region. The public is advised to increase vigilance against suspicious activities related to illegal organizations in Indonesia.

"Report any suspicious activities in the surrounding area immediately. Early detection is crucial to prevent potentially dangerous actions such as suicide bombings," he said.

Editor's Choice: Densus 88 Arrest Suspected Terrorist in Karanganyar

Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News