Roundup: Indonesia enhances operations against suspected IS militants

Indonesia's anti-terror squad of Special Detachment 88 ( Densus 88) have intensified operations against militants linked with Bahrun Naim, an Indonesian fighter now staying in Syria who has close connection with senior Islamic State (IS) figures.

The operations were conducted in the wake of massive demonstrations by Muslim hardliner groups to protest blasphemous comments against the Koran made by governor of Jakarta.

Militants are expected to launch more attacks during the demonstrations, which may continue for a few weeks more.

The latest arrest was made on Wednesday against 23-year-old Rio Priatna Wibawa at his residence in the city of Majalengka, West Java province. Some chemical substances for making explosives were also confiscated.

National Police headquarters Spokesperson Boy Rafli Amar said Rio is tied with Bahrun Naim, the IS fighter who masterminded several terror attacks in Indonesia this year.

The attacks include one in January that targeted an American coffee shop and killed eight, claimed by IS as their first attack in Southeast Asia.

The terror attack that occurred at the heart of Jakarta was also the first in seven years since the deadly bombing in two American hotels in 2009.

Bahrun also masterminded the failed attacks on Singapore's Marina Bay from Indonesia's island of Batam in August this year. Police arrested six Indonesian militants related to the attacks

The militants initially planned to launch the attacks with rockets from Indonesia's Batam waters, which is close to Singapore's coast.

Last week the Indonesian squad arrested six persons linked to Bahrun Naim in East and West Jakarta. They are suspected of being responsible for organizing Indonesian militants to join IS in Syria.

Militants have increased activities in Indonesia this year. On Oct. 20 an IS militant attacked policemen with a knife after being caught while sticking an IS sticker at a police post. Three policemen were severely injured while the attacker died from severe bleeding after being shot by police.

As more alleged IS fighters return to their home countries following intensified international military operations against IS in Iraq and other Middle East countries, Indonesia is now struggling to tackle with renewed threats of terror attacks.

Indonesia's anti-terror agency, BNPT, previously said that all security apparatus are now mobilized to monitor the returnees from Syria.

More than 500 Indonesians left for Syria to join IS during the last few years, the agency said. Endit