BNPT: 148 Terrorists Arrested Throughout 2023, Affiliated JII And JAD

JAKARTA - Head of the National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT) Rycko Amelza Dahniel said as many as 148 suspected terrorists were arrested by the special Detachment (Densus) 88 Anti-terror Police together with the TNI throughout 2023.

Rycko said the hundreds of suspected terrorists arrested came from the Indonesian Islamic Congregation (JII) and Jamaah Ansaut Daulah (JAD) groups.

"A total of 148 terrorists have been arrested throughout 2023, dominated by JII and JAD groups," Rycko said when delivering a release at the end of the BNPT year in Sentul, Bogor Regency, West Java, Friday, December 29, which was confiscated by Antara.

According to Rycho, JII and JAD are the two largest terrorist networks in Indonesia that are directly affiliated with the world terror group Al Qaeda and ISIS.

He said the arrests of 148 terrorists were running linearly with the decline in acts of terrorism in Indonesia. In fact, throughout 2023, not a single act of terror has occurred in the country.

"Although a number of terrors have been found in a number of countries, throughout 2023 there have been no acts of terrorism in Indonesia. An indication shows the improvement in the security situation in Indonesia," said Rycko.

However, he still appealed to all parties to remain vigilant with the dynamics that arise below the surface of terror network cells that enter through various aspects of people's lives.

Moreover, according to him, the global terrorism network is still carrying out acts of terrorism by targeting women and children as its main targets.

"We must not be complacent, radical acts against vulnerable groups, namely women, children, and adolescents are still happening," he said.