Another member of the East Indonesia Mujahidin (MIT), Juhri, alias Tamar, gave himself up to National Intelligence Agency (BIN) personnel taking part in Operation Tinombala on Friday evening.

Meanwhile, three others were arrested on Thursday.

Operation Tinombala commander Brig. Gen. Rudy Sufahriadi confirmed that Juhri surrendered at 3:40 a.m. local time in Tamanjeka hamlet, Lape village, Poso, Central Sulawesi.

Rudy, who is also Central Sulawesi Police chief, said Juhri was picked up from a house belonging to his relative and was taken to the BIN post in Poso.

“He is being questioned and his identity verified by Operation Tinombala personnel,” Rudy said, adding that based on the questioning, Juhri said he surrendered because he no longer shared the beliefs of the MIT terror group and could no longer manage to live in the forest.

After the death last month of MIT leader Santoso, the government advised Santoso’s followers to give themselves up to security personnel. For those who surrender, the government will consider pardoning them.

Rudy said security personnel had arrested three other Santoso followers on Thursday. They are Jono Priadi, alias Jono, an employee of the Palu Public Works Agency; Isa Abd. Rahman, alias Berni, alias Pak Is, alias Bahar; and Muhammad Asmaul, alias Muket.

“Based on data owned by Operation Tinombala, they acted as couriers and logistics suppliers and to facilitate those who wanted to join the MIT,” Rudy added. (bbn)   

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