The dissolution of Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) is proof of the government’s commitment to fighting radicalism
By : Halimah Khosasih )*
Radicalism, whose roots are often linked to political, religious and ideological extremism, is a major threat to global peace and security. Among the various extremist groups that have emerged, Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) stands out as a notoriously violent organization responsible for numerous terrorist activities in Southeast Asia.
Jemaah Islamiyah is a fraction of the Darul Islam (DI) organization. This group is thought to have begun to unite and form an official organization in the late 1980s to early 1990s. This organization, founded by Abu Bakar Bashir and Abdullah Sungkar, aims to establish an Islamic state in Southeast Asia. Inspired by al-Qaeda, JI orchestrated a series of terrorist attacks, the most famous of which was the 2002 Bali bombings, which claimed the lives of more than 200 people. The operations of this radical organization were characterized by careful planning, significant financial resources, and an extensive network spanning many countries.
On June 30 2024 in Bogor, West Java, this organization surprisingly declared its disbandment. Together with 15 other leaders of Jemaah Islamiyah, Abu Rusdan, who is a former emir or leader of Jemaah Islamiyah, stated that they were ready to be actively involved in fulfilling independence to advance the Indonesian nation and follow the applicable legal regulations and were committed to carrying out things that were logical consequences. He guarantees that the curriculum and teaching materials in Islamic boarding schools affiliated with Jemaah Islamiyah will be free from tatharuf or extreme traits and attitudes, and will refer to the understanding of ahlussunnah wal jamaah (a community that always upholds the sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad SAW).
The dissolution of JI is the result of continuous and diverse efforts made by the Indonesian government to combat radicalism. One way is through military operations and law enforcement. Densus 88, Indonesia’s elite anti-terrorism unit, plays an important role in this effort. This unit carried out a number of raids, arrested key JI operatives, and dismantled training camps. The arrest of key individuals, such as that of Noordin Mohammad Top, a prominent JI figure, significantly weakens the group’s operational capabilities. This firm action by the government shows its commitment to neutralize the direct threat posed by JI.
Another strategy undertaken by the Indonesian Government to effectively combat JI is to introduce and strengthen anti-terrorism laws. The Anti-Terrorism Act, passed in 2003, provides law enforcement agencies with the legal framework necessary to detain and prosecute terrorists. The law facilitates asset confiscation, disruption of financial networks, and increased surveillance capabilities. The government’s legislative efforts were critical in curbing JI’s activities and dismantling its organizational structure.
Recognizing the transnational nature of JI, Indonesia also emphasizes the importance of intelligence exchange and regional cooperation. Indonesia collaborates with neighboring countries and international partners to exchange intelligence, conduct joint operations, and improve counter-terrorism capabilities. The establishment of the Southeast Asia Regional Center for Counter-Terrorism (SEARCCT) and participation in initiatives such as the ASEAN Convention on Counter-Terrorism underscores Indonesia’s commitment to a collective approach in fighting terrorism.
Recognizing that military and legal action alone is not enough, the Indonesian government is also focusing on counter-radicalization and rehabilitation. Programs aimed at deradicalizing former militants, providing vocational training, and facilitating reintegration into society have been implemented. Efforts to counter extremist narratives through education, community engagement, and promoting moderate interpretations of Islam are critical in weakening JI’s ideological appeal. The government worked with religious leaders and organizations to promote a moderate and inclusive understanding of Islam, thereby reducing the appeal of radical ideology.
The weakening of JI shows the effectiveness of a comprehensive strategy to eradicate terrorism. This success should be a valuable lesson for countries to use a multi-faceted approach in fighting terrorism. The use of military force, legal action, intelligence cooperation, and collective counter-radicalization initiatives carried out by the Indonesian Government have proven to have contributed to the dissolution of Jemaah Islamiyah.
In connection with this success, Researcher on Radicalism-Terrorism Issues, Khoirul Anam, believes that the mass repentance phenomenon of Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) cannot be separated from the active role of Densus 88 so far. He expressed his highest appreciation and respect for Densus 88 which worked very professionally in cutting terrorism straight to its roots.
The Special Staff of the Minister of Religion (Stafsus Menag) for Radicalism and Intolerance, Nuruzzaman, also said the same thing, who also appreciated Densus 88 AT Polri for its achievements in carrying out deradicalization and the Soft Approach which was successful until JI disbanded and returned to the fold of the Republic of Indonesia. Nuruzzaman hopes that the ranks of the Ministry of Religion and Islamic education stakeholders will continue to provide assistance and approach to a number of Islamic boarding schools affiliated with this radical organization, so that JI returns to the Republic of Indonesia not only at the leadership level but also to all its members at the grassroots.
In conclusion, the dissolution of JI is proof of the government’s commitment to fighting radicalism. Through a combination of military operations, legal action, intelligence cooperation, and counter-radicalization efforts, the government has succeeded in weakening one of Southeast Asia’s most notorious terrorist organizations. The challenges faced in this effort underscore the complexity of eradicating radicalism. The dissolution of JI is not only a victory for the Indonesian government but is an important milestone in the global fight against terrorism, showing that with sustained and comprehensive efforts, radicalism can be fought effectively.
)* Student majoring in Sociology at PTS in Bandung
