Book Review: Disbandment of Jemaah Islamiyah Indonesian National Police Invite UNU Jogja to Deepen Research on Terrorism Prevention

Yogyakarta, Indonesia - The disbandment of Jemaah Islamiyah (JI), the largest radical terrorist group in Southeast Asia, marks an important phase in the decline of terrorism in Indonesia. UNU Jogja has been invited to analyze this development in greater depth through research and studies to anticipate the emergence of similar movements in the future. 

This was highlighted in a book discussion titled "JI: The Untold Story: The Journey of Jemaah Islamiyah” held at The Hall on the fifth floor of the UNU Jogja campus on Wednesday, June 4. The book provides a comprehensive account of the organization's long history, including an analysis of its leaders and ideology, culminating in its dissolution on June 30, 2024. 

In his opening remarks, UNU Jogja Acting Rector Suhadi Cholil explained that Indonesia experienced no acts of terrorism throughout 2023–2024. Despite this, the Special Detachment (Densus) 88 Anti-Terrorism Unit of the Indonesian National Police arrested hundreds of suspected terrorists. "This indicates the success of Densus 88 and other agencies in achieving zero acts of terror," he said.

However, according to Suhadi, a more fundamental question remains: Does the dissolution of JI eliminate the ideology of violence and terrorism? Based on his research, he concluded that ideas about violence and terrorist acts still exist within certain groups. "Although terrorist acts can be prevented, the ideology of terrorism does not disappear overnight," he said.

Therefore, support from various parties is needed to prevent the reemergence of radical groups that carry out terrorist acts. "UNU Jogja, under the auspices of NU — the largest and most tolerant Islamic organization in Indonesia — is ready to collaborate," said Suhadi.

AKBP Mayndra Eka Wardhana, representing the Head of Densus 88 Polri, welcomed this call for collaboration and invited the UNU Jogja community to conduct in-depth research on the history of JI. "JI is the only terrorist group that has disbanded. This could inspire other terrorist groups worldwide,” he said.

He explained that the dissolution of JI was a lengthy process that included engaging with its key figures, having continuous discussions, and learning more about Islam, particularly Islamic jurisprudence. "We communicated from heart to heart until JI finally dissolved. We were shocked, surprised, and joyful,” said Mayndra.

At UNU Jogja, several speakers discussed the book written by the Head of the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit 88, Irjen Pol Sentot Prasetyo. Among them were Khoirul Anam (staff member of the Densus 88 Literacy and Media Division), Solahudin (terrorism expert and writer), Iqbal Ahnaf (dean of the Faculty of Islamic Studies at UNU Jogja), and Ustaz Para Wijayanto, the last leader of Jemaah Islamiyah. 

"We reexamined all actions taken by JI members, including extreme acts and declaring fellow Muslims outside the JI group as infidels. Finally, on June 30, 2024, we agreed to dissolve," said Wijayanto.

Professor Greg Barton, the rector of Deakin Lancaster University and a terrorism expert, outlined JI's development, particularly since the 2002 Bali bombings, until its dissolution. "Addressing terrorism solely through military force will not provide a solution. To prevent terrorism, the police must collaborate with the community and civil society organizations like NU," said Greg. [Arif]