Indonesian authorities have thwarted a potential terrorist attack targeting Pope Francis during his recent visit to Jakarta.

According to The New York Post, seven suspects with alleged ties to ISIS were arrested for planning attacks against the 87-year-old pontiff. The plot was uncovered after the suspects boasted about their intentions on social media.

The arrests took place on September 2 and 3, just before Pope Francis arrived in Jakarta for his Asia-Pacific tour. During raids on the suspects' homes, police seized various items, including bows and arrows, a drone, and ISIS leaflets, indicating the seriousness of the planned attack.

Suspects' Motives and ISIS Connection

The suspects' motivations for targeting the Pope stemmed from their opposition to his visit to Istiqlal, the largest mosque in Southeast Asia. They were also angered by the Indonesian government's request for local television stations not to interrupt the Pope's televised Mass with the Islamic call to prayer.

At least some of the plotters had pledged allegiance to ISIS, according to an unnamed source cited by the Straits Times. One suspect was reportedly part of the same ISIS-aligned terror cell responsible for stabbing Indonesia's chief security minister in 2019, highlighting the ongoing threat of extremist groups in the region.

Police are still investigating whether all seven detainees were working together or if there were multiple separate plots in motion. The connection to ISIS raises concerns about the continued influence of the terrorist organization in Indonesia despite its reduced global presence.

Social Media Surveillance and Public Cooperation

The suspects' downfall came as a result of their own online activities. They posted threats and propaganda on social media platforms in the lead-up to the Pope's visit, which caught the attention of both authorities and concerned citizens.

Col. Aswin Siregar of the national police anti-terror unit Detachment 88 explained:

We have a mechanism to monitor and filter. We had tip-off information from members of the public.

This statement underscores the importance of public vigilance and cooperation with law enforcement in preventing potential terrorist attacks. The combination of social media monitoring and citizen reports proved crucial in foiling this plot against Pope Francis.

Enhanced Security Measures During Papal Visit

In response to the potential threat, Indonesian authorities significantly increased security measures during Pope Francis's three-day visit to Jakarta. The pontiff was protected by a force of around 4,000 personnel, including his own security detail, Indonesian police, snipers, and soldiers.

This level of protection is not unprecedented in Indonesia, which has the largest Muslim population in the world and has experienced several Islamic terror attacks in recent years. Notable incidents include a 2021 suicide bombing of a Catholic cathedral in Makassar that injured 20 people and a 2020 attack on Christians in Sulawesi that left four people dead, including two who were beheaded.

The enhanced security measures reflect the ongoing challenges faced by Indonesian authorities in combating extremism and protecting religious minorities in the country. Despite these challenges, the successful prevention of the attack against Pope Francis demonstrates the effectiveness of Indonesia's counter-terrorism efforts.

Detachment 88's Role in Counter-Terrorism

The foiling of the plot against Pope Francis is another success for Detachment 88, Indonesia's elite counter-terrorism unit. This specialized force has gained a reputation for its swift and effective action against terrorist threats in the country.

Just weeks before uncovering the plot against the Pope, Detachment 88 apprehended Yudi Lukito Kurniawan, an al-Qaeda-affiliated terrorist who had been planning an attack on the Singapore Stock Exchange building. This arrest further highlights the unit's capabilities and the ongoing threat of terrorism in the region.

The success of Detachment 88 in preventing these attacks demonstrates Indonesia's commitment to combating extremism and protecting both its citizens and international visitors.

However, the persistence of ISIS-linked cells and other extremist groups in the country suggests that vigilance and continued counter-terrorism efforts remain necessary.

Conclusion

The thwarted plot against Pope Francis in Jakarta reveals the ongoing threat of ISIS-linked extremism in Indonesia. The suspects' online boasts led to their downfall, emphasizing the importance of social media monitoring in counter-terrorism efforts.

Enhanced security measures during the Pope's visit and the effectiveness of Detachment 88 showcase Indonesia's commitment to combating terrorism. However, the incident serves as a reminder of the persistent challenges faced by authorities in protecting religious figures and minorities in the world's largest Muslim-majority nation.