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Possible spread of radical teachings from inside Nusakambangan
Spreading influence: Several women wearing veils and men in typical Muslim clothing prepare to leave the Wijaya Pura quay complex on the Nusakambangan prison island, Cilacap, Central Java, one day before terrorist convict Abu Bakar Baâasyir was scheduled to attend the seconding hearing on his case review at the Cilacap District Court recently
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Spreading influence: Several women wearing veils and men in typical Muslim clothing prepare to leave the Wijaya Pura quay complex on the Nusakambangan prison island, Cilacap, Central Java, one day before terrorist convict Abu Bakar Baâasyir was scheduled to attend the seconding hearing on his case review at the Cilacap District Court recently. (thejakartapost.com/Agus Maryono) (thejakartapost.com/Agus Maryono)
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span class="inline inline-center">Spreading influence: Several women wearing veils and men in typical Muslim clothing prepare to leave the Wijaya Pura quay complex on the Nusakambangan prison island, Cilacap, Central Java, one day before terrorist convict Abu Bakar Ba'asyir was scheduled to attend the seconding hearing on his case review at the Cilacap District Court recently. (thejakartapost.com/Agus Maryono)
Although a number of terrorists are currently serving sentences in prisons on Nusakambangan Island in Cilacap regency, Central Java, it is still possible for them to spread radical Islamic teachings to others due to freedom they have during visiting hours scheduled by the Nusakambangan prison island authority from Monday through Friday.
Followers of the terrorist convicts incarcerated on Nusakambangan, such as Aman Abdurrahman and Abu Bakar Ba'asyir, reportedly have routinely received visitors as it is not prohibited by Nusakambangan officials. All convicts regardless of their crimes have an equal right to routine visits from family members, relatives and friends.
'Yes, it's correct. Aman Abdurrahman is currently in Nusakambangan. He is in good shape and health. Like other convicts, he is allowed to receive visitors even though he is a terrorist,' Central Java Justice and Human Rights Agency spokesman Molyanto told thejakartapost.com on Monday.
The National Police suspect a strong connection between a terrorists attack near the Sarinah shopping center on Jl.MH Thamrin, Central Jakarta, on Thursday, and a terrorist group led by Bahrun Naim, who was known as one of Aman Abdurrahman's followers.
Aman is currently incarcerated at Kembang Kuning prison on Nusakambangan with several other terrorist convicts. Meanwhile, Abu Bakar Ba'asyir and dozens of other terrorist convicts are incarcerated in Batu prison, Nusakambangan. In total, around 50 terrorist convicts are serving sentences in several prisons on Nusakambangan.
Molyanto said he had coordinated with the Central Java Police and the Cilacap Police to tighten security measures in Kembang Kuning prison where Aman Abdurrahman was currently being held.
'We have been informed that there is a connection between the Sarinah terrorist attack perpetrators and Aman Abdurrahman, therefore, we are stepping up security measures there, involving Indonesian Military and National Police personnel,' said Molyanto.
Security authorities have apparently long been aware of the possibility of terrorist convicts on Nusakambangan spreading radicalism. Abu Bakar Ba'asyir and Aman Abdurrahman declared their support for the Islamic State movement while in their cells.
Indonesian Military data reveals that Abu Bakar Ba'asyir, who is serving a nine-year prison sentence for terrorism, is visited by around 900 people every year. Abu Bakar Ba'asyir's followers wait for him to give a sermon in every visit.
At the end of 2014, the police discovered activities suspected of spreading IS teachings from inside Nusakambangan. A number of people, including Chep Hermawan, who claimed to be the IS Indonesia president, reportedly visited Abu Bakar Ba'asyir on Nusakambangan. The Cilacap Police detained several visitors who were found with IS flags and attributes during their visits, but they were later released.
One year ago, the National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT) invited a prominent Jordanian cleric, Syeikh Ali Hasan Al-Halabi, to meet with dozens of terrorist convicts in Nusakambangan, including Aman Abdurrahman. During the meeting, Aman reportedly stressed that he would hold onto his radical beliefs and refused to repent and ask God for forgiveness. It was reported that Aman was one of the terror convicts who openly and emphatically rejected Halabi's preaching. (ebf)
