Dozens Of Suspected Terrorists Apparently Planning Terror Actions During Independence Day

Head of the Public Relations Division of the National Police Inspector General Argo Yuwono (DOK VIA ANTARA)

JAKARTA - The National Police stated that dozens of suspected terrorists had planned to carry out terrorist acts on Indonesia's Independence Day or August 17. This was revealed from the results of the examination of several suspected terrorists of the Jamaah Islamiyah (JI) network.

"According to the information from several suspects we have arrested. Yes, indeed, the JI group itself and he want to use the moment of August 17 (or) independence day," said Head of the Public Relations Division of the National Police Inspector General Argo Yuwono to reporters, Friday, August 20.

However, Argo did not specify the form of terror acts that would be carried out by the suspected terrorists. It is only emphasized that their plan was foiled because Densus 88 Anti-terror immediately took action.

"He (the terrorist suspects want to use that moment, will be used. And we have arrested or secured 53 people spread across 11 provinces starting from August 12 to August 17," said Argo.

Densus 88 Anti-terror arrested 53 suspected terrorists. They were arrested in different areas, including North Sumatra, Jambi, Lampung, Banten, West Java, Central Java, East Java.

Then, several suspected terrorists were arrested in South Sulawesi, Maluku, West Kalimantan and East Kalimantan.