East Indonesia Mujahideen
Mujahidin Indonesia Timur
LeadersAli Kalora †
Abu Wardah (Santoso) †
Daeng Koro †
Muhammad Basri (POW)
Dates of operation2010–2022
HeadquartersPoso, Indonesia
Active regionsSulawesi
IdeologyIslamism
Islamic fundamentalism
Salafi Jihadism
Wahhabism
Size40+[citation needed]
18 (July 2016)[1]
0 (29 September 2022)[2]
Part of Islamic State
Allies Abu Sayyaf
Turkistan Islamic Party
Opponents Indonesia
 Turkey
 China
 Philippines
 United States
Battles and warsOperation Madago Raya (2016–2022)
Designated as a terrorist group by Indonesia[3]
 Malaysia[4]
 United Kingdom
 United States
 South Korea
 China
 UN
Flag

The East Indonesia Mujahideen (Indonesian: Mujahidin Indonesia Timur; abbreviated MIT) was an Islamist militant group operating out of Poso, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia. The group was led by Abu Wardah (also known as Santoso) until he was killed by Indonesian police on 18 July 2016.[5] After the death of Santoso, the group was led by Ali Kalora until he was killed on 18 September 2021.[6] The group has pledged allegiance to the Islamic State.[5]

MIT was proscribed by the United Nations Security Council under the Al-Qaeda Sanctions Committee on 29 September 2015.[7] The U.S. Department of State has designated MIT as a terrorist organisation.[8]

MIT has largely carried out its operations within Sulawesi but has threatened to attack targets across Indonesia.[9] The group's operations have typically avoided operations that would cause civilian casualties, but was reportedly involved in clashes between Muslims and Christians in Maluku province between 1999 and 2002.[10]

History

The group was founded in 2010 by Santoso in Central Sulawesi area. The group was closely affiliated with West Indonesia Mujahideen that is led by Abu Roban. Abu Roban was later killed in 2013 during a police raid in Central Java.[11]

In 2012, Santoso was chosen to be the leader of the group. Santoso was killed by Indonesian forces in 2016.[12] His successor, Ali Kalora, was killed on 18 September 2021 alongside another militant by Indonesian security personnel in a forest near the village of Astina, located in the Parigi Moutong Regency of Central Sulawesi.[13]

On 29 September 2022 last member of East Indonesia Mujahideen is killed by Detachment 88. Even though all of its members have been killed or arrested, the Madago Raya operation will continue so that similar organizations are not formed again.[14] As of 2023, the group is defunct.[15]

Actions and attacks

2012

The group gained their notoriety and fame after kidnapping, and later killing, two police officers in October 2012. Both police officers were kidnapped and then killed when they were scouting the area for probable terrorist activities. Both of the bodies were found by Indonesian Army search parties that were sent out after both officers were unable to be contacted.[16] During the search operations, Santoso taunted Indonesian military and law enforcement to "fight him like a man" and to "stop looking good on television". The group was known to have prepared traps for Indonesian military search parties. Despite the action of the MIT and the death of the police officers, Indonesian search and rescue attempts were able to corner MIT multiple times.[17]

On 24 October, the group attacked a police kiosk on Poso, Central Sulawesi, injuring four people; two police officers and two civilians.[18]

2014

One of the perpetrators in the killing of the police officers in 2012 is arrested at Mamasa, West Sulawesi, by Densus 88.[19] During the year, the group allegedly shot at a police station.[20] The police also stated that MIT have participated in the abductions and killings of civilians,[21] some of the killing is allegedly done because the civilian is acting as informant for the security forces.[22]

2015

During 2015, the terrorist group conduct attacks on Christians,[23] and also involved in shootouts with Indonesian police. One Indonesian soldier and one police officer is killed during the year.[24][25]

2016

One Indonesian police officer is killed by MIT during a shootout at Poso, while the two of the terrorists are killed. Indonesian police stated that the terrorist group is operating on a difficult terrain at Pegunungan Biru. Indonesian police claimed that during their operation in 2016 28 members of the terrorist group has been arrested.[26]

2020

After years of inactivity, the terrorist group struck again in November 2020, killing a Christian family, burning a Christian church, and also set fire to 6 homes.[27] Days after the attack, Indonesian National Police claimed that during the year Detachment 88 have arrested 32 alleged terrorists from East Indonesia Mujahideen.[28]

2021

On May 11, 2021, four farmers were killed by the group in the Napu Valley, Kalimango Village, East Lore Subdistrict, Poso District. The attack was said to be a revenge for the killing of two members of the group, including Santoso's son, two months prior.[29]

Foreign assistance

Uyghurs

Turkish passports were used by Uyghurs who were seeking to contact Mujahidin Indonesia Timor.[30]

ISIS/ISIL aligned Uyghurs have been traveling to Indonesia to participate in terrorist attacks against Shia, Christians, and the Indonesian government, during a terrorist attack in Central Sulawesi, one Uighur, Farouk, was killed by Indonesian security personnel in November, and another Uighur terrorist, Alli, was arrested for plotting a terrorist attack.[31] China has been contacted by the Indonesian government who sought assistance in confronting Uighur members of terrorist organizations in Indonesia.[32] Indonesia arrested a possible suicide bomber named Ali, a Uyghur, on 24 December 2015.[33]

In Sulawesi on Tuesday 15 March 2016[34] two pro-ISIS Uyghurs in Indonesia were liquidated by Indonesian government forces.[35] The Indonesians used bullets to kill them.[36] The "Doğu Türkistan Bülteni Haber Ajansı" which supports the Turkistan Islamic Party (TIP), denounced the Indonesian government and police for their killing of 2 Uyghurs who were members of "Doğu Endonezya Mücahitleri" (Mujahidin Indonesia Timor).[37] 2 Uyghurs with suspected terror ties were killed in Sulawesi by Indonesian security forces on 8 April and the killings were condemned by "Doğu Türkistan Bülteni Haber Ajansı".[38] The "Doğu Türkistan Bülteni Haber Ajansı" slammed the Indonesian government for hunting down four Uyghurs who illegally entered the country to join "Doğu Endonezya Mücahitleri" and accused the Indonesian government of attacking Muslims.[39] A Uighur accused of terror ties was killed in Sulawesi by the Indonesian security forces on 24 April, for which the "Doğu Türkistan Bülteni Haber Ajansı" condemned the Indonesian government.[40]

In Poso Uyghurs were being instructed by Santoso, the head of Mujahideen Indonesia Timur.[41] Faruq Magalasi, Mus'ab, Ibrohim, and Joko were the names obtained by the Indonesian media of Uyghurs being hunted by the Indonesian police.[42]

In Poso four Uyghurs were captured by Indonesian police after they allegedly illegally entered Indonesia via Malaysia and Thailand with forged passports.[43]

Death of notable members

On 3 April 2015, Daeng Koro [id] was killed by police.[44] On 18 July 2016, Indonesian soldiers killed MIT leader Santoso during an operation.[12] Sobron was also killed during the Tinombala Operation's Task Force on 19 September 2016.[45] Leader Ali Kalora was killed alongside commander Jaka "Ikrima" Ramadhan on September 18, 2021.[46]

Andika Eka Putra, one of the most wanted members of MIT, died on 14 September 2016. He was found dead on the banks of the Puna in Tangkura village, after accidentally falling while crossing a river, and dying of head injury after hitting a rock.[47]

Members

According to Police commissioner Leo Bona Lubis, before this Santoso group together with his followers numbered 28 people. But it increased to 45 people who were thought to be in the mountain and the forest in Poso Pesisir Bersaudara dan Lore.[48]

References

  1. ^ "Mabes Polri: Masih Ada 18 Orang Anggota Santoso". Kriminalitas.com (in Indonesian). Archived from the original on 4 August 2017. Retrieved 23 July 2015.
  2. ^ Satgas Madago Raya Tembak Mati Teroris Terakhir Mujahidin Indonesia Timur Archived 8 December 2022 at the Wayback Machine detik.com 30 September 2022
  3. ^ "List of designated terrorist groups, National Counter Terrorism Agency (Indonesia)". liputan6.com. 29 December 2021. Archived from the original on 19 February 2023. Retrieved 1 April 2022.
  4. ^ KDN Domesticmoha.gov.my Archived 9 October 2022 at Ghost Archive
  5. ^ a b "Santoso: Indonesia police 'kill most wanted militant'". BBC News. 19 July 2016. Archived from the original on 8 November 2020. Retrieved 1 December 2020.
  6. ^ Stefanie, Christie. "Polri Sebut Ali Kalora Jadi Pengganti Santoso". nasional (in Indonesian). Archived from the original on 30 June 2021. Retrieved 1 December 2020.
  7. ^ "UNSC sanctions". Archived from the original on 4 July 2019. Retrieved 19 July 2016.
  8. ^ "Designation of Foreign Terrorist Fighters". Archived from the original on 21 January 2017. Retrieved 19 July 2016.
  9. ^ "Threat to attack targets across Indonesia". Archived from the original on 21 August 2016. Retrieved 19 July 2016.
  10. ^ "East Indonesian Islamist Militants Expand Focus". Jamestown. Archived from the original on 30 May 2016. Retrieved 19 July 2016.
  11. ^ VIVA, PT VIVA MEDIA BARU- (2 February 2016). "Peta Gerakan ISIS di Indonesia". www.viva.co.id (in Indonesian). Archived from the original on 27 January 2023. Retrieved 1 December 2020.
  12. ^ a b "Report on Santoso's death". Reuters. 18 July 2016. Archived from the original on 2 March 2020. Retrieved 19 July 2016.
  13. ^ Taufan, Mohammad; Karmini, Niniek (19 September 2021). "Indonesia retrieves most-wanted militant's body from jungle". Associated Press. Archived from the original on 19 September 2021. Retrieved 19 September 2021.
  14. ^ "Satgas Madago Raya Tembak Mati Teroris Terakhir Mujahidin Indonesia Timur". Archived from the original on 8 December 2022. Retrieved 13 March 2023.
  15. ^ "Anak Buah Terakhir Ali Kalora Tewas, Operasi Satgas Madago Raya Berlanjut". 5 October 2022. Archived from the original on 8 December 2022. Retrieved 13 March 2023.
  16. ^ Liputan6.com (16 October 2020). "Hilangnya 2 Polisi di Sarang Teroris Poso 8 Tahun Lalu". liputan6.com (in Indonesian). Archived from the original on 13 November 2020. Retrieved 1 December 2020.((cite web)): CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  17. ^ "Dendam jaringan teroris Santoso kepada Polisi". Rappler. 17 January 2016. Retrieved 1 December 2020.
  18. ^ Aprianto, Anton (24 October 2012). "Polisi Masih Terus Sidik Pelaku Bom Poso". Tempo. Archived from the original on 5 January 2024. Retrieved 1 December 2020.
  19. ^ "Densus Bekuk Terduga Teroris Penggorok Polisi di Tamanjeka". BeritaSatu.com (in Indonesian). Archived from the original on 5 January 2024. Retrieved 1 December 2020.
  20. ^ "Polisi Belum Ungkap Pelaku Penyerangan Polsek Poso". Antara News Palu. 16 June 2014. Archived from the original on 15 May 2021. Retrieved 4 December 2020.
  21. ^ "Kapolda Sulteng sebut Santoso otak penculikan & pembunuhan warga". merdeka.com. 29 December 2014. Archived from the original on 24 June 2021. Retrieved 4 December 2020.
  22. ^ "Fadli Dibunuh karena Dianggap Jadi Informan Densus 88". Tribunnews.com (in Indonesian). Archived from the original on 5 July 2021. Retrieved 4 December 2020.
  23. ^ "Tiga Jenazah Korban Kelompok Teroris Santoso Dimakamkan". SINDOnews.com (in Indonesian). 17 January 2015. Archived from the original on 2 May 2023. Retrieved 4 December 2020.
  24. ^ Liputan6.com (21 August 2015). "Tewas Kejar Teroris di Poso, Iptu Bryan Naik Pangkat AKP Anumerta". liputan6.com (in Indonesian). Archived from the original on 31 March 2021. Retrieved 4 December 2020.((cite web)): CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  25. ^ Liputan6.com (29 November 2015). "Anggota TNI Tewas Tertembak Kelompok Teroris Santoso". liputan6.com (in Indonesian). Archived from the original on 4 March 2022. Retrieved 4 December 2020.((cite web)): CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  26. ^ Suriyanto. "Anggota Brimob Sulteng Tewas dalam Baku Tembak di Poso". nasional (in Indonesian). Archived from the original on 27 April 2023. Retrieved 4 December 2020.
  27. ^ Harahap, Lia (29 November 2020). "Kronologi Satu Keluarga di Sigi Dibunuh Anggota MIT". merdeka.com. Archived from the original on 8 April 2022. Retrieved 4 December 2020.
  28. ^ "32 Terduga Teroris MIT Ditangakap Densus, di Antaranya Ada Simpatisan dari DKI Jakarta". KOMPAS.tv (in Indonesian). Archived from the original on 5 December 2020. Retrieved 5 December 2020.
  29. ^ "Sederet Fakta Dugaan Pembunuhan 4 Petani oleh Kelompok Teroris Ali Kalora". Tempo.Co (in Indonesian). 14 May 2021. Archived from the original on 17 May 2021. Retrieved 14 May 2021.
  30. ^ Zenn, Jacob (10 October 2014). "An Overview of Chinese Fighters and Anti-Chinese Militant Groups in Syria and Iraq". China Brief. 14 (19). The Jamestown Foundation. Archived from the original on 21 August 2016. Retrieved 14 June 2015.
  31. ^ Kwok, Yenni (28 December 2015). "Is There a Uighur Terrorist Buildup Taking Place in Southeast Asia?". TIME. Archived from the original on 26 May 2019. Retrieved 21 July 2016.
  32. ^ Fabi, Randy; Beo Da Costa, Agustinus (6 January 2016). "Indonesia turns to China as ethnic Uyghurs join would-be jihadis". Reuters. JAKARTA. Archived from the original on 5 March 2020. Retrieved 2 July 2017.
  33. ^ Tiezzi, Shannon (7 January 2016). "Official: Indonesia Working With China to Investigate Uyghur Terrorist Suspect". The Diplomat. Archived from the original on 27 April 2017. Retrieved 12 February 2021.
  34. ^ Tiezzi, Shannon (18 March 2016). "Indonesia Adds 4 Uyghur Militants to Most-Wanted List". The Diplomat. Archived from the original on 8 November 2020. Retrieved 12 February 2021.
  35. ^ Kapoor, Kanupriya (18 March 2016). "Activists raise concerns over Indonesia's proposed anti-terrorism law". Reuters. JAKARTA. Archived from the original on 20 March 2016. Retrieved 30 December 2016.
  36. ^ "2 Suspected Uighur Militants Killed in Central Indonesia". The Diplomat. PALU, Indonesia. Associated Press. 16 March 2016. Archived from the original on 21 March 2016.
  37. ^ turkistanhaber (16 March 2016). "Doğu Türkistanlı Müslümanlar, Çin zulmünden kurtulabilmek için bir umut sığındıkları komşu ülkel". Archived from the original on 27 August 2016. Retrieved 22 July 2016.
  38. ^ turkistanhaber (14 April 2016). "Endonezya Hükemeti, 2 Doğu Türkistanlı Müslümanı Daha Katletti -". Archived from the original on 30 April 2016. Retrieved 22 July 2016.
  39. ^ "Endonezya Hükümeti 4 Uygur hakkında Yakalam Emri çıkardı". turkistanhaber. 21 March 2016. Archived from the original on 27 August 2016. Retrieved 22 July 2016.
  40. ^ "Endonezya Hükümeti Doğu Türkistanlı Müslümanları Katletmeye Devam Ediyor". turkistanhaber. 29 April 2016. Archived from the original on 6 May 2016. Retrieved 22 July 2016.
  41. ^ "Santoso: Indonesia police 'kill most wanted militant'". BBC News. 19 July 2016. Archived from the original on 8 November 2020. Retrieved 21 June 2018.
  42. ^ Sangadji, Ruslan (18 March 2016). "Uighur militants infiltrating Indonesia". The Jakarta Post. Poso. Archived from the original on 15 November 2016. Retrieved 14 November 2016.
  43. ^ zolkepli, farik; ahmad tarmizi, jastin (18 September 2014). "Immigration on alert following report of Uighur jihadists transiting in Malaysia". The Star Online. Archived from the original on 2 February 2017. Retrieved 23 January 2017.
  44. ^ "Berakhirnya Sepak Terjang Daeng Koro, Teroris yang Dipecat TNI karena Asusila..." Kompas. 6 April 2015. Archived from the original on 21 December 2017. Retrieved 19 September 2021.
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  48. ^ "Polisi Merilis 17 Nama Baru Teroris Poso". Tempo. 20 January 2016. Archived from the original on 7 August 2016. Retrieved 20 January 2016.
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