Local authorities thwarted a terror plot aimed at assassinating Pope Francis during his visit to Indonesia. Indonesian police reportedly arrested seven suspects who were ISIS-inspired. The arrests came just days after the suspects made threats on social media, targeting the Pope’s visit to Jakarta.

According to the US Sun, the suspects were detained following a series of raids that revealed weapons, including bow and arrows and a drone, in the home of one individual.

Concerned citizens alerted authorities, prompting the country’s specialized anti-terror unit, Densus 88, to act swiftly and prevent the attack.

Suspects Made Social Media Threats Before Arrest

Pope Francis, who is 87 and in frail health, was visiting Indonesia as part of a broader 12-day tour of the Asia-Pacific region. The tour also included scheduled stops in Papua New Guinea, East Timor, and Singapore. The threats against him reportedly began after he visited a mosque in Jakarta, a move that enraged extremists.

Indonesian police arrested the seven suspects, identified only by their initials, on September 2 and 3. The arrests followed tip-offs from the public, which enabled law enforcement to track down the suspects and raid their homes.

Weapons And ISIS Propaganda Discovered In Raid

During the raid on one of the suspect’s homes, police found several weapons, including a bow and arrows, a drone, and leaflets affiliated with ISIS. This discovery raised serious concerns about the extent of the group’s capabilities. While the police continue investigating, they have not yet determined whether all seven suspects directly connected or belonged to a larger terror cell.

The suspects had made threats through social media, pledging violence and threatening to set fire to several locations in Indonesia in retaliation for the Pope’s visit. These threats prompted swift action from Densus 88, the country’s elite counterterrorism unit.

Police Praise Public Tip-Offs For Preventing Attack

Colonel Aswin Siregar of Densus 88 acknowledged the importance of public involvement in the foiling of the assassination plot. "We have a mechanism to monitor and filter," Siregar said. "We had tip-off information from members of the public. Densus 88 has taken legal action against seven individuals... who made threats in the form of propaganda or terror threats via social media in response to the Pope’s arrival."

Indonesia, a country with the world’s largest Muslim population, has long grappled with the threat of terrorism. Notable incidents include the 2002 Bali bombings and the 2009 attacks on hotels in Jakarta. While the country has made significant progress in combatting terrorism, extremist ideologies linked to groups like ISIS still pose a threat.

Pope Francis Addresses Religious Extremism

Pope Francis addressed the issue of religious extremism during his visit to Indonesia. “There are times when faith can be manipulated to foment divisions and increase hatred,” he said, reflecting on the dangers of extremism. He also expressed hope for a future in which prejudice is eliminated, saying, “Prejudices can be eliminated, and a climate of mutual respect and trust can grow.”

The Pope’s condemnation of extremism comes at a time when tensions are high in certain parts of the world, and those with extremist views often target religious leaders. Despite his health issues, Pope Francis has remained vocal about his desire to promote interfaith dialogue and peace.

Ongoing Investigation Into Suspects

As the investigation continues, Indonesian authorities are working to determine whether the suspects acted alone or were part of a wider conspiracy. With the involvement of ISIS propaganda materials, there is concern that the global terror network may have influenced the group.

The arrests and the quick action of Densus 88 serve as a reminder of Indonesia’s ongoing battle against terrorism. The unit has been instrumental in preventing numerous attacks over the years and remains a critical component of the country’s counterterrorism efforts.

Pope’s Tour Continues Despite Threat

Pope Francis’s 12-day tour will continue as planned despite the foiled plot. The Pope’s visit to Indonesia served as a significant gesture of goodwill toward the country’s Muslim population, and his message of peace and mutual respect resonated with many.

The Pope’s next stops will include Papua New Guinea, East Timor, and Singapore. Following the assassination plot, local authorities have heightened security measures to ensure the safety of the Pope and those attending his events.

Conclusion

The arrest of seven suspects linked to ISIS in connection with a plot to assassinate Pope Francis underscores the ongoing threat of terrorism in Indonesia. The vigilance of the public and the swift response of Densus 88 averted a potentially devastating attack. Pope Francis continues his tour, delivering messages of peace and religious tolerance while authorities remain on high alert to prevent future threats.