The fact that the funeral of chief terrorist Santoso, alias Abu Wardah, on Saturday was attended by thousands of people, several of whom brandished Islamic State (IS) movement flags has highlighted the size of his following.

Santoso, the leader of the Eastern Indonesia Mujahidin (MIT) terrorist group, was killed in a gun battle with security personnel last Monday.

Residents were seen waving three IS flags when they picked up Santoso’s body in Tambarana village, Poso, Central Sulawesi.

Several others were seen wearing T-shirts with IS symbols.

“The flags were seen in a convoy of motorcycles and cars from Tambarana to Landangan village, Poso Pesisir district,” said Operation Tinombala task force spokesman Adj. Sr. Comr. Hari Suprapto.

Based on intelligence reports, those who attended the funeral included MIT sympathizers. They came from various reg...