Senior members of Jemaah Islamiyah, the Southeast Asian militant network responsible for the deadly Bali bombings, have declared the disbandment of the group. This announcement was made in a video statement by 16 JI leaders, confirming their commitment to the Indonesian state and law. They also stated that all teachings in JI-affiliated schools would align with orthodox Islam.
The Institute for Policy Analysis of Conflict verified the authenticity of the video statement, noting that the signatories hold significant respect and credibility within the organization, ensuring widespread acceptance of the decision.
Jemaah Islamiyah, linked to Al-Qaeda, has been implicated in several major attacks in Indonesia, including the 2002 Bali nightclub bombings that claimed over 200 lives.
While Indonesia’s National Counter Terrorism Agency refrained from commenting on the disbandment, it plans to address the issue in an upcoming press conference.
The decision to dissolve the group is believed to have been influenced by factors such as the shift in focus of JI intellectuals towards non-violent approaches and the need to safeguard the organization’s assets, particularly its schools. The report also highlighted the role of extensive engagement with counter-terrorism officials in this decision.
Despite the involvement of influential figures, the Institute for Policy Analysis of Conflict cautioned that splinter factions could potentially emerge in the future, although not immediately. The likely outcome, for now, is the growth of JI-affiliated schools and increased participation of the signatories in public life.
Experts from the Center for Radicalism and Deradicalization Studies in Jakarta expressed concerns about potential threats from splinter groups, fearing that some factions may resort to violence. However, they believe this scenario is unlikely in the near term.
As the situation unfolds, the future of the remaining JI membership remains uncertain, with the possibility of further developments in the organization’s dynamics.
