Indonesia tightens security to cope with terrorism risks hinh anh 1Indonesian police guard at May 13 bombing scene (Source: VNA)

Jakarta (VNA) – Indonesia’s national police chief Tito Karnavian on May 17 affirmed that national security has been strengthened to deal with terrorism threats after a series of suicide bombings rocked the country days ago.

Talking to representatives from embassies and international organisations in Jakarta, the general confirmed that bomb attacks targeting Christian churches and police stations were the revenge of Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD) and Jamaah Ansharut Tauhid (JAT) – two terrorist groups, after Indonesian police arrested their leaders.

After the bombings, the police have intensified investigations of the scenes and conducted raids for perpetrators. Over the past days, 48 terror suspects have been arrested, while several were shot dead.

Karnavian said that terrorists in Indonesia have close links to those abroad.

He confirmed bombers used an explosive called triacetone triperoxide (TATP). This explosive is commonly used by Islamic State (IS) militants when carrying out terror attacks.

IS claimed involvement in a series of attacks in three churches on May 13 in Surabaya city, the provincial capital of East Java and a suicide bombing in the police headquarters in the city on May 14 and a sword assault on the police headquarters in Riau province on May 16.

General Tito Karnavian acknowledged that several problems remain in Indonesia’s security work, including the management of prisons.

He mentioned a riot by terrorism detainees in a police detention centre near Jakarta on May 9 which killed five police officials.

For long-term solutions, the general emphasised the importance of a strong anti-terrorism law.

It is also necessary to increase the efficiency of Indonesia’s security network and anti-terrorism forces, he stated.

Statistics of the Indonesian police showed that since 2000, 342 terrorist attacks have hit the country, leaving 48 dead and 108 wounded.-VNA
VNA