Basa Brawijaya *)
Terrorist network of Islamic State of Iraq and Syria allegedly had entered Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia. A group often called ISIS raising concerns for the member states of ASEAN. Post shootings and bombings that occurred in Paris, ISIS becomes a real threat to the security of any nation including ASEAN members. This group managed to expand its influence by utilizing the media and internet as well as recruit citizens by promising lure prosperous life and heaven.
Singapore Defense Minister Ng Eng Hen confirmed that the threat posed by ISIS become greater in Southeast Asia. According Hen, the threat comes from the ISIS member in Southeast Asian country of origin who returned from Syria and Iraq with the mission to establish a caliphate in their respective countries. They have sympathizers, foreign fighters who have the motivation and have the same vision. This threat is compounded by the many affiliate groups of al-Qaeda in Southeast Asia, such as Jemaah Islamiyah and Abu Sayyaf have expressed oath of allegiance to ISIS.
Such concerns also plagued the Philippine government. Philippines strengthen surveillance on ISIS militants and supporters by making an agreement with Australia. In the agreement, Australia and the Philippines will improve surveillance as well forensic investigations and information exchange that concentrates on the flow of militants in Southeast Asia that is traveling to and from Iraq and Syria. This step was taken because the militant group in the Philippines declared allegiance to ISIS.
Thailand police also announced that the militant group of ISIS had entered Thailand. Around ten Syrians associated with the militant group come from 15 to 31 October. They want carry out attacks against Russian interests in the White Elephant Affairs. This information revealed by intelijen of Russia Federal Secret Service. They expect Thai police tighten security against a number of interests of Russia and the countries belonging to the attacks on ISIS.
*) Contributor of CIDISS
