Indonesia: Security forces arrest five suspected terrorists August 15 /update 1

Event

Police officials reported that five suspected Islamist militants were arrested during an operation in Bandung, West Java, on Tuesday, August 15. During the raids, chemical material was seized and officers reported experiencing a burning sensation and redness on their skin when they entered one of the houses.  According to the police, the suspected terrorists were planning to carry out multiple chemical attacks at the end of August, including on the presidential palace in Jakarta.

Context

Bandung is located 120 km (75 mi) southeast of the capital city of Jakarta. Security officials announced on August 10 that there is a heightened threat of terror attacks ahead of Indonesia's Independence Day celebrations on Thursday, August 17. The National Police reportedly received messages containing terror attack plans on the Telegram app, an encrypted messaging app temporarily banned in mid-July due to it being used as a communication network by Islamist militants. The plans were reportedly organized by the Islamic State (IS) affiliate Jammah Ansharut Daulah (JAD), and allegedly encouraged followers to target groups of police and military personnel with improvised explosives, knives, and guns, or vehicle ramming attacks.

Indonesia is already on high security alert due to a generally heightened risk of terror attacks. IS sympathizers have carried out a series of mostly low-level attacks over the past few years, and there are fears of the potential return of hundreds of Indonesians who have gone to Syria to fight with IS. Three police officers were killed by IS associates in June 2017 alone.

Advice

Expect increased security in Jakarta, Bandung, and other major cities around Independence Day celebrations, and follow any instruction issued by local authorities.

Due to the heightened threat of terrorism in Indonesia, remain vigilant when visiting sites deemed particularly likely to be targeted (public transportation, train stations, ports, airports, public or government buildings, embassies or consulates, international organizations, schools and universities, religious sites, markets, hotels and restaurants frequented by foreigners/Westerners, festivals, etc.).