Indonesian President asks for tightened security for state officials

Indonesian President Joko Widodo has ordered tighter security for state officials a day after a suspected Islamist militant stabbed Chief Security Minister Wiranto during his trip to Pandeglang city in Banten province on Java Island on October 10.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo

Immediately after the attack, Joko visited Wiranto at the Gatot Subroto Army Hospital (RSPAD) in Central Jakarta, where the minister was being treated for two abdominal stab wounds suffered in the assault.

Joko said he had ordered chiefs of the National Police and State Intelligence Agency (BIN)  of the country to coordinate with the Indonesian Military to investigate and take stern measures against perpetrators.

The same day, Indonesia’s police announced that they were continuing to expand search to see if there were any other suspects involved in the incident.

On October 10, the Indonesian State Intelligence Agency (BIN)’s chief Budi Gunawan said the two perpetrators were affiliated with the Islamic State-linked homegrown militant group Jemaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD).

The attack on Wiranto occurred more than a week before President Joko began his second term after winning the election in April 2019. The new attack has triggered a warning bell in ensuring security and safety for Indonesian officials and politicians.

VNA