'Jemaah Islamiyah remains potent threat in Southeast Asia'

MANADO, Indonesia – The al-Qaeda-linked Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) terrorist group remains a potent security threat in Southeast Asia.

Security officials acknowledged the continued threat of the Jakarta-based Jemaah Islamiyah international terrorist network during the 27th Chairmen’s Conference of the Philippines-Indonesia Border Crossing Committee held in the North Sulawesi capital of Manado.

Armed Forces Eastern Mindanao Command chief Maj. Gen. Raymundo Ferrer, chairman of the Philippine delegation, cited the need to further strengthen bilateral cooperation between Indonesia and the Philippines to address the continued security threats brought about by the JI.

Indonesian Maj. Gen. Djoko Susilo Utomo likewise emphasized the importance of enhancing the capabilities of both countries in patrolling the border of their territorial waters as a way of addressing the security threat.

Both countries have also intensified intelligence gathering and reciprocal information sharing in the pursuit of the same goal, to put an end to the operation of the JI terrorist network.

Ferrer said security in the border between the territorial waters of Indonesia and Philippines has to be further tightened.

Authorities said there are more than 26,000 boat trips between Indonesia and the Philippines that have not been properly documented.

JI members were among those who travel undetected by boat through the route to Mindanao.

The JI has reportedly been responsible for bombings in Mindanao and Manila as well as those in Jakarta and the resort island of Bali.

A document on counter-terrorism obtained by The STAR pointed to an Indonesian national, a certain Imam Lamai, as the JI financier, while one Abdul Sakim Sali, alias Commander Kidlat, was identified as the team leader of the local JI in the Philippines.

A Malaysian national, one alias Al Poze, and an Indonesian national, one alias Joling, were reported to be the organizers of the JI based in Camp Khalid in Maasim, Sarangani province.

Another Indonesian national, one Elmer Ambran also known as Elmer Enuran, is said to be the finance officer of the JI’s operation in the Philippines.

A certain Ustadz Usman Colano has also been identified as the contact of JI financier Imam Lamai.

Authorities are also monitoring the local counterparts of the foreign terrorists operating in the Philippines.

The hunt for JI Bali bomber Dulmatin also continues as he is believed to have sought refuge among his supporters in Sulu.