Motives of Terrorism in Indonesia Have Changed

Jakarta (Antara) - Chief Security Minister Djoko Suyanto has claimed the motives behind terrorism in Indonesia have changed and are no longer related to issues exclusively affecting foreign lands. "Acts of terrorism will never completely stop. That is a fact. However, their motives have changed. Previously, the motives behind such acts were related to foreign issues or were linked to Palestine's enemies, but they have now changed," he stated before attending a ceremony at the presidential palace here on Saturday to commemorate the country's 68th anniversary of its independence. His remarks were made in the wake of a third attack on local law enforcement personnel in Pondok Aren, Tangerang, by two unidentified gunmen, who launched the assault on Friday night, claiming the lives of two police officers. Speaking on the incidents, Djoko pointed out that he was already coordinating with National Police Chief General Timur Pradopo, whom he had asked to improve vigilance and to hunt down the attackers. "Perpetrators of crimes such as this cannot be ignored. They must be caught," he insisted. (*)