No militant camps in West Java: army commander

Bandung, NU Online
West Java has no militant training camps, a top army official declared, after reports circulated about one such facility in Garut district. <>

"There are no terrorist camps in West Java," Major General Sonny Widjaja, commander of Siliwangi Division (KODAM III Siliwangi), told reporters recently during the division's 67th anniversary in Bandung, where it is based.

"Their movements are sporadic. They look for places considered inaccessible by security patrol. They hold spontaneous exercises," he said of local militants, according to a Tribun News report.

Police and the military are on the lookout for terrorist movements, through village surveillance officers (Babinsa) and the Agency for the Development of Public Order and Safety (Babinkamtibmas), Sonny said.

"I have already instructed 4,900 Babinsa in the West Java-Banten region to be on the lookout for guests and new arrivals. Especially those who rent houses, or rooms," he added.

Residents relieved

The announcement came on the heels of major wave of terrorist arrests in several parts of Java during the first two weeks of May.

Residents of West Java expressed relief at the military declaration, and a willingness to work closely with law enforcement to make the province more secure.

"I am glad to hear the results. I hope the security in West Java will improve after several terrorist arrests in the region and a few intolerant attacks," said Zajuli Basuki, a 43 year-old resident of Tangerang.

"I've never heard about the rumour that there was a militant training camp in West Java. What I knew is that most extremists in West Java started from vigilantism. Most of them started to be radicalized by attending religious study sessions run by prominent local clerics," he added.

He suggested that religious leaders encourage their followers to use teachings of tolerance as a weapon against terrorism.

"West Java has a lot of risk of terrorism. Some geographic areas in West Java can possibly be used by terrorists as their camp," said Nurul Setiyanti, a 34 year-old resident of Bogor.

"Even though now we do not have any evidence that there are terrorist camps in Bogor, we have to remain vigilant to continue to keep our region safe," she added.

Neighbourhood watch will increase security

A local cleric likewise responded with relief, while cautioning residents to remain vigilant about suspicious activity, and suspicious theology.

"West Java has a huge responsibility not only to improve its tolerance, but also to remain secure against any terrorist acts. Additionally, located at Jakarta's outskirts, West Java has more of a duty to secure the region from terrorists who try to hide in the area," said Makmudin Bahri, an Islamic cleric from Depok.

Makmudin encouraged all Muslims to be mindful of any thoughts or teachings that are counter to Islam.

"Terrorism under jihad is one of them. We need to ensure that all Muslims have a strong base in Islamic teachings. This will allow them to become good and responsible Muslims. Terrorism acts, any crime using Allah as a basis for war, is considered irresponsible," he explained.

Asked about the military's announcement on militant camps in the region, Makmudin said, "I trust our government's judgment. If they say there is none, it means we have good news.

"At the same time, we have to increase our efforts in supporting them [military and police] who are continuing their investigation through every community to secure the region," he said.

Editing by Sudarto Murtaufiq