By : Agus *)
Fear of terorrism in Indonesia is becoming weak, after The Central Sulawesi Police has been extending Operation Camar Maleo 2015 to pursue members of the East Indonesia Mujahidin (MIT) in Poso regency, the leaders of which were recently shot dead.
Central Sulawesi Police chief Brig. Gen. Idham Azis said “We are still reviewing the exact date to start [the operation]. It will definitely be in the near future.”
The purpose of operation was being to hunt down and arrest MIT members in the forest of Poso or nearby area. Also, to deducting the power of MIT, due to they are recruiting new members in the region.
Furthermore, he said the policeman will held deradicalization program to prevent people in Poso or nearby area pursue by MIT doctrine. The program will involve with local administrations, religious institutions and leaders.
Separately, Central Sulawesi Governor Longki Djanggola said that his administration fully supported efforts to tackle terrorism in Poso. He also asked the police to intensify their pursuit of MIT members.
“If necessary, deploy the best force to hunt down and arrest them. The Central Sulawesi provincial administration is ready as a backup,” He said.
Earlier, Daeng Koro, a MIT leader was shot dead in a police raid in Parigi Moutong regency on April 3. Another leader of the group, Imam, was also gunned down in a hamlet in the regency on April 5.
Previously, Central Sulawesi Police spokesman Adj. Sr. Comr. Hari Suprapto said the gang members were being actively pursued and had run out of food and ammunition after a shootout with police in Sakina Jaya village in the Salumpangi mountains of North Parigi.
“They’ve showed up brandishing firearms and knocking on the doors of residents’ homes demanding food,” said Hari.
He said the gang was believed to have been dispersed following the deaths of senior members Daeng Koro and Imam, respectively, in Parigi Moutong regency, and the police’s Mobile Brigade (Brimob) and Densus 88 counterterrorism unit were continuing to hunt them.
Some of Koro’s men, he said, had gone through the forest as far as Palu and were forced to steal from residents in Tabeo hamlet, North Palu district, Palu city.
*) The Author is Brunei Contributor