Turning Over a New Leaf

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Jemaah Islamiyah, the Southeast Asian militant group responsible for the 2002 Bali bombings, has dissolved itself, an Indonesia-based think tank confirmed Thursday, an announcement that analysts say could transform the group’s future activities, Reuters reported.

In a video statement, 16 senior leaders confirmed the group’s dissolution and declared their commitment to Indonesian state law and orthodox Islam.

The statement dated June 30 and was authenticated by the Institute for Policy Analysis of Conflict (IPAC). The Indonesian National Counter Terrorism Agency has not yet commented on the video.

The JI – allegedly linked to Al Qaeda – has been responsible for some of Indonesia’s most devastating attacks, including the bombings on the Indonesian island of Bali that killed more than 200 people.

Sidney Jones of IPAC suggests that the disbandment was influenced by several factors, including a growing intellectual faction within JI less inclined toward violence; a strategic move to protect JI’s educational institutions; and ongoing engagement with counterterrorism officials.

Observers told Channel News Asia that the announcement marked a pivotal moment in Indonesia’s fight against terrorism, suggesting it could point toward increased public involvement by former leaders. Analysts also said the move may shield former terrorists from arrest, as well as allow them to operate in other areas, such as business, education and politics.

They added the move presents a challenge for Indonesia’s security agencies, which must now reassess their approach to former JI members and their integration into society.

IPAC cited the great respect commanded by the JI’s leadership, saying it would encourage many members to accept the dissolution. However, it cautioned about JI’s history of splinter groups and the potential formation of new factions in the future.