Indonesian police guard at May 13 bombing scene (Source: VNA)Jakarta (VNA) – Indonesia’s national police chief Tito Karnavian on May17 affirmed that national security has been strengthened to deal with terrorismthreats after a series of suicide bombings rocked the country days ago.
Talking to representatives from embassiesand international organisations in Jakarta, the general confirmed that bombattacks targeting Christian churches and police stations were the revenge ofJamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD) and Jamaah Ansharut Tauhid (JAT) – two terroristgroups, after Indonesian police arrested their leaders.
After the bombings, the police haveintensified investigations of the scenes and conducted raids for perpetrators.Over the past days, 48 terror suspects have been arrested, while several wereshot dead.
Karnavian said that terrorists in Indonesiahave close links to those abroad.
He confirmed bombers used an explosivecalled triacetone triperoxide (TATP). This explosive is commonly used byIslamic State (IS) militants when carrying out terror attacks.
IS claimed involvement in a series of attacksin three churches on May 13 in Surabaya city, the provincial capital of EastJava and a suicide bombing in the police headquarters in the city on May 14 anda sword assault on the police headquarters in Riau province on May 16.
General Tito Karnavian acknowledged thatseveral problems remain in Indonesia’s security work, including the managementof prisons.
He mentioned a riot by terrorism detaineesin a police detention centre near Jakarta on May 9 which killed five policeofficials.
For long-term solutions, the generalemphasised the importance of a strong anti-terrorism law.
It is also necessary to increase theefficiency of Indonesia’s security network and anti-terrorism forces, hestated.
Statistics of the Indonesian police showedthat since 2000, 342 terrorist attacks have hit the country, leaving 48 deadand 108 wounded.-VNA
VNA
