Indonesia: Islamist terror network appears to be regrouping
Apr 01 2008
Postings >> Indonesia

An Islamist terror network responsible for many crimes against Christians in Central Sulawesi may be resurfacing – via a publishing network.

Many had hoped that at least some parts of Jemaah Islamiah had disbanded in the fragile peace which followed years of violence in the province, as 7x7 reported as recently as 4 March 2008. But a new report by the International Crisis Group, a leading think-tank, says the militant group appears to be regrouping.

The ICG calls on the Indonesian government to keep closer tabs on a network of printers, translators, marketing and distributing agents through which, it warns, Jemaah Islamiah may be spreading its doctrines.

Some of the network's published works are texts downloaded from websites linked to al-Qaeda, says the BBC. Others are articles by well-known radicals from the Middle East who have renounced violence.

The ICG says it is not advocating that these publishing networks should be banned but that the government should use existing legislation to scrutinise the network more closely.

Coinciding with the ICG's warnings were 'credible reports', relayed by the Barnabas Fund, that Jemaah Islamiah had threatened to attack Christians over Easter.

No such attacks have been reported. But growing evidence of a resurgence of Jemaah Islamiah will not be welcome news for Indonesia's Christians.

* Ask God to strengthen the faith of His church in Indonesia, amid rumours of resurgent terrorist cells.

* Pray that the authorities in Indonesia will do more to protect Christians from terrorist attack.