Kompas.com reports that the Densus 88 Special Anti-terror detachment have arrested a man identified only by the initials RB (27) in Denpasar on 23 July 2020.
Police have identified RB as a member of Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD). JAD is a criminal terrorist organization in Indonesia with reported links to the 2018 Surabaya bombing and 2019 Jolo Cathedral bombings in the Philippines. Two members of JAD launched a knife attack on Indonesian State Minister Wiranto in October 2019.
National Police spokesman, Brigadier General (Police) Awi Setiyono, speaking on Tuesday, 18 August 2020, said RB was a self-employed entrepreneur known for circulating religiously and politically radical content. “Since 2017, RB has used social media to distribute videos, including materials promoting ISIS, Aman Abdurrahman, and tutorials on bomb-making.
General Awi also said that RB was discovered in 2019 to own illegal sharp weapons. Police have determined that NB was preparing to launch a terrorist attack, but did not share details of the alleged planned attack.
Police said the man could be charged under sections of the 2018 Anti-Terrorism Law that provides punishment for up to life in prison.
Terrorism Crack-down
From 01 June until 12 August 2020, Densus 88 has apprehended 72 suspected terrorists in what appears to be a nationwide crack-down on terrorism.
The anti-terror arrests took place in 13 regions of Indonesia: West Sumatra, Bali, Central Sulawesi, East Java, Central Java, Riau, Jakarta, West Java, South Kalimantan, West Nusa Tenggara, West Kalimantan, Maluku, and Gorontalo.