Gov’t Decides Not to Repatriate Indonesian IS Supporters

President Jokowi answers reporters’ questions after inaugurating Chief of the Maritime Security Agency at the State Palace, Jakarta, Wednesday (12/2). (Photo by: Jay/PR).

The Indonesian Government has announced it will not repatriate Indonesian IS supporters currently stranded abroad.

The safety of 260 million citizens at home is a priority, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo said.

“During the Cabinet meeting [on Tuesday], I ordered the identification of each of the 689 people, including their names and where they comd from,” the President said in response to reporters’ questions at the State Palace, Jakarta, Wednesday (12/2).

Once the data is completed and put into an immigration database, the Government can ban them from entering the country, the President added.

The President went on to say that based on verification, the Government is considering to repatriate orphans under 10 years old, depending on their circumstances. Regarding citizenship status, the President noted that they should have been aware of the ramifications. (FID/EN)

Translated by: Muhardi

Reviewed by: M. Ersan Pamungkas