Police Reveals 1,125 NII Members Distributed In West Sumatra, DPR: Don't Let Peaceful People's Lives Be Threatened

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JAKARTA - Member of the DPR from West Sumatra, Guspardi Gaus, asked the Police to take quick steps to eradicate radicalism, following the presence of 1,125 members of the Islamic State of Indonesia (NII) terrorist group spread across the province of West Sumatra. "However, the terrorist network of the Islamic State of Indonesia (NII) must be crushed to its roots," Guspardi told reporters on Monday, April 18. "Don't let the life order of the people of West Sumatra which has been calm, calm and conducive to be threatened because it is infiltrated by the understanding brought by the NII," he said.

This PAN politician said that many people in West Sumatra have been exposed to the NII concept. Therefore, according to him, the West Sumatra Regional Government must carry out intensive training for community members who are exposed to NII understanding.

"Once again, if the data regarding the number of NII members are true, it is hoped that the regional government as social and political builder must be vigilant and aggressively conduct outreach to the public to be aware of and avoid the ideology brought by the NII group," concluded Guspardi. Islam Indonesia (NII) has 1,125 members spread across the province of West Sumatra (Sumbar). As many as 400 of them are known to be active personnel.

"With 1,125 members, about 400 of them are active personnel. And the rest are inactive or have pledged allegiance but have not been active in NII activities, which can be reactivated at any time if necessary," said Karo Penmas, Police Public Relations Division, Brigadier General Ahmad. Ramadhan told reporters, Tuesday, April 12. Ramadhan detailed that the 1,125 NII members were spread across two regencies in West Sumatra. A total of 833 people are in Dharmasraya Regency, while 292 other members are in Tanah Datar Regency.

"Of the total number in West Sumatra, 833 people are spread across Dharmasraya Regency and 292 are in Tanah Datar Regency," he said.

Furthermore, Ramadhan said the NII network was already widespread in Indonesia. This is because the NII members are not only in West Sumatra, but also in DKI Jakarta, West Java, Bali, to Maluku.

"The NII network is already massive in Indonesia. Among others, Jakarta, Tangerang, West Java, Bali, Sulawesi, Maluku," said Ramadhan.

So far, 16 suspected terrorists from the NII network have been arrested in West Sumatra. Densus 88 helped to secure a number of evidences from the arrest.

"So far, a total of 16 suspects have been arrested (in West Sumatra). Then Densus 88 investigators have also secured some evidence," he added.