37 suspected terrorists nabbed ahead of Asian Games

The Jakarta Post/Asia News Network Photo

The West Java Police have arrested at least 37 suspected terrorists ahead of the 2018 Asian Games, in which several events will be held in the province.

West Java Police chief Insp. Gen. Agung Budi Maryoto said the arrests were part of counterterror measures being taken by the police. Most of the suspected terrorists were believed to be part of the banned terror network Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD).

“We carried out proactive measures against the JAD, which has the potential to commit acts of terror,” he said last Friday after leading a ceremony for Asian Games security in Bandung, West Java.

In addition to Palembang, South Sumatra, Jakarta and Banten, West Java will host five events  for the continental multisport event that will run from Aug. 18 to Sept. 2.

The police made the arrests from May to August in several locations across West Java, including in Tasikmalaya, Bandung, Subang, Cirebon, Indramayu and Bogor.

There will be 10,200 security personnel on duty throughout the Asian Games in the province, comprising 7,500 personnel from the West Java Police and 1,400 personnel from the Indonesian Military and other civil offices.

Agung urged the public to be alert and inform officials if they found something suspicious.

The Police have also anticipated a rise in street crime such as pickpocketing, jambret (a thief who snatches valuables) and motorcycle robbery by identifying repeat offenders of such crimes.

“From the thousands we have arrested, we have taken their photos and fingerprints hoping that they will not repeat any criminal acts,” he added.