Gov’t will not Repatriate Terrorist Fighters

Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Mahfud M.D. attending a Limited Cabinet Meeting at the Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java Province, Tuesday (11/2). (Photo by: PR/Jay).

The Indonesian Government has decided not to repatriate Foreign Terrorist Fighters (FTF) from Indonesia, Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Mahfud M.D. has said.

“The Government and the state must ensure that 267 million people of Indonesia are safe from the threat of terrorism,” Mahfud said after attending a Limited Cabinet Meeting at the Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java Province, Tuesday (11/2).

According to the Minister, there are 689 Indonesian citizens who become FTF. He also stated that the Government will collect more valid data on the number and identities of citizens who are suspected to get involved in ISIS.

Furthermore, for children under 10 years old, Mahfud continued, the Government will resolve this issue on a case by case basis. “It depends on whether they are still with their parents or whether the parents are still alive or not,” he added.

For the record, based on CIA data, there are 689 Indonesian citizens who join ISIS. Of the large number, it has established identities of 228 people and the other 401 people remain to be identified. (FID/EN)

Translated by: Galuh Wicaksono
Reviewed by: Mia Medyana