Update
20 Dec 2005
Kidnap threat underlines security risks

National Intelligence Agency (BIN) chief Syamsir Siregar on 20 December said that the regional Islamic extremist Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) network, which is blamed for the Bali bombings of 2002 and 2005 and at least two other attacks on Western targets, planned to change its tactics of suicide bombing. He said that kidnapping was among the new tactics, adding that foreigners or Indonesian officials would be the most likely targets for abduction.

Siregar’s remarks should not be taken as evidence that a campaign of kidnaps of foreign nationals is imminent. It is the latest in a series of recent reports of evolving terrorist tactics, which have also included threats of shootings and bombings. Nonetheless, clients are reminded that there is a HIGH risk of terrorism in Indonesia. Personnel should maintain a high level of personal security awareness, with individuals who vary their day-to-day routines less likely to be targeted. Personnel should also minimise time spent at possible terrorist targets, including Christian places of worship, hotel lobbies, shopping centres, restaurants and entertainment venues.

Threat from JI

While JI is still capable of staging attacks, it has become increasingly fragmented and its capabilities have been disrupted by the crackdown on Islamic militancy that began following the first Bali bombings. Police on 10 November killed senior JI leader Azahari Husin at his East Java hideout in the biggest blow to the network since the capture in August 2003 of its operations chief, Riduan Isamuddin, who is better known as Hambali. Many suspected JI militants have been jailed and there are regular reports that the group is running low on funds. Nevertheless, JI’s tactics are constantly evolving in response to these and other challenges.

The latest Bali bombings represented a shift away from the large vehicle-borne bombs used in past attacks towards smaller, pedestrian-borne bombs similar to those used by Palestinian militants in the occupied territories and Israel. The discovery in November of the extremist Anshar El Muslimin website provided further evidence that JI’s tactics are in flux. The site was purportedly created on the instructions of Noordin Top, who is the most senior JI figure still at large, and explained how to shoot foreign pedestrians or throw grenades at motorists in the capital Jakarta.

Intelligence officials have been warning of possible terrorist attacks in Jakarta and other cities during the Christmas and New Year holidays. Security has been increased at Christian places of worship in a bid to prevent a repeat of the Christmas Eve church bombings of 2000 that killed 19 people. Jakarta police chief Insp-Gen Firman Gani on 11 December said that 17,000 police, intelligence and anti-terrorist personnel would be deployed at 23 key locations in the capital over the holiday period, including churches, embassies and shopping centres. The country’s largest Islamic organisation, the Nahdlatul Ulama, has volunteered to assist the police in guarding churches where services will be held on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Christmas in the states might be marred by the spectre of political correctness but my in-laws and others like them in Indonesia go to Christmas mass knowing full well that adhering to their faith could very well cost them their lives. Their commitment as Christians in a Muslim country peopled by ignorant hate mongerers has humbled the cynic in me. What has forever been associated with family and pleasant memories is now one of the most tense times as my wife is not as fatalistic as I. If as you settle in with your families this Christmas to celebrate or in Mass or wherever you may be... as you pray each in your own way... if you remember please join in a prayer for people who will also try to celebrate and that it may be free of bombings and kidnapping this year and truly a season of peace.

I hear you Bulldogg. I am not the most religious of men but they will pass my thoughts in one of my moments of comtemplation.

And just out of personal interest: where about do they live? I'll be on Java for the second time coming summer and can't wait. I'm 6'2" 175 pounds, blond blue eyed Dutchman so I guess I'll blend in quite well...... at least so I hope!

bulldogg, I certainly will remember your in-laws and all the others in Indonesia in my prayers for safe holiday season. BTW where did you find that story?
Ted, I'm sure you have good reason to go there but it sounds like it's not the most stable place to be at the moment. All I seem to hear about in the news from Jakarta is AIDS, bird flu, and now this these days. I will also keep you in my thoughts as well. I hope things settle down before your trip.

Thank you both.

Ted, I too will be on Java in three weeks. The family lives in East-Central Java in the heart of JI territory so to say I am a bit puckered would be an understatement. I am also a big target hard to miss. I am getting "briefed" daily now by family and friends about do's and don't's.

Top, the story comes from an international private security firm that does risk assessment for global corporations. My former employer was so scared for me going to work in China that he left my account active so I have access to their reports and receive flash bulletins. Unfortunately I can't give a link because it requires 128 bit encryption and username/password. I am forever grateful to my old boss and he has left a soft spot for French Canadians with me.

It was a peaceful Xmas for Indonesia, I thank you for your prayers.

Anytime Bulldog, always good to hear that some things do go right! Nice for change!

Christians are targeted by political correctness at home while they are targeted by fanatics and beheaders in many countries of the world.

Christ Almighty IG, what are you talking about this time?? I am so glad that you're back and posting. I had these sharpened knifes out on the table for a long time, unable to use them...... I thought they were ment for the X-mas turkey, i reckon I was mistaken

Originally Posted by Ted

Christ Almighty IG, what are you talking about this time?? I am so glad that you're back and posting. I had these sharpened knifes out on the table for a long time, unable to use them...... I thought they were ment for the X-mas turkey, i reckon I was mistaken

Hi Ted. I was talking about Muslim fanatics who behead Christians for their faith in Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Afghanistan, Pakistan and some other country. All I did was describe a paradoxical aspect of nowadays' situation.

Okay, I'll have to think over that one. Just stopped working with a nice drink afterwards..... so: hold on and I'll get back to it!