A terrorist conspiracy to murder Pope Francis in Indonesia has been thwarted by local law enforcement with seven suspects apprehended with potential links to ISIS, just one month on from a parallel situation experienced by Taylor Swift. The Head of the Catholic Church started his tour of the Asian nation, which is considerably majority Muslim, as part of a 12-day tour of the Asian Pacific area.
Heroic nationals tipped off local police to the possible hit on the Pope’s life and a series of raids were executed over September 2 and September 3 to bring the suspects into captivity and to protect the religious figure. According to The Strait Times, officers discovered a bow and arrow, drone and ISIS leaflets and were reportedly inspired by the Pope’s visit to a mosque in the capital city. During his visit, Pope Francis was prepared to visit notable sites like Southeast Asia’s largest mosque, Jakarta’s cathedral, the presidential palace, and the national football stadium. Security measures have been strengthened to ensure his security. Roads around these key sites have been changed, either re-routed or closed off.
The roots of the captured suspects’ beliefs were not disclosed, but Indonesia has a history of wrestling with Islamist militancy. The country witnessed its most lethal attack in 2002 when bombings on Bali island resulted in 202 fatalities.
“We have an instrument to monitor and filter,” Colonel Aswin Siregar of the Detachment 88 counter-terrorism unit expressed. “We had tip-off information from members of the public. Densus 88 has taken lawful action against seven individuals who made dangers in the form of propaganda or terror threats via social media in reaction to the Pope’s arrival. There was also a threat to set fire to the locations.”
The snuffed plan came just days after Pope Francis spoke out against religious extremism in Indonesia as the 87-year-old wheelchair-bound man collided “increased hatred”. There are times when faith can be exploited to foment divisions and increase hostility,” Pope Francis stated at Indonesia’s presidential palace.
“Prejudices can be eliminated, and a climate of mutual respect and trust can grow.”
