Men allegedly affiliated with the self-claimed Islamic State terror group in a Syrian prison in 2019. (Photo: AFP) Jakarta (VNA) - The Indonesian Government has asked law enforcementagencies to tighten border security in a bid to prevent the repatriation of citizens who left the country to join theself-claimed Islamic State (IS) inIraq and Syria.
According to Presidential Chief of Staff Moeldoko, who is also formerChief of Staff of the Indonesian Army, authoritieswill be monitoring borders over which IS extremists could attempt to cross.
Moeldokosaid the government would also verify Indonesian citizens in Syria. Thisverification will be conducted by the National Counter-Terrorism Agency over 3-4months.
Coordinating Minister ofPolitics, Law and Security Affairs Mohammad Mahfud said on February 12 thatthe government will immediately blockpassports belonging to Indonesian nationals who are allegedly involved in overseasterrorist groups, including the IS. He also expressed concern that these peoplewould try to return home illegally.
On February 11, the Indonesian government decided not to repatriate some 689 Indonesian IS supporters currentlystranded abroad, and named them athreat to national security./.
VNA
