Pope Francis in Indonesia became the target of a foiled ISIS terror plot, with Indonesian police arresting seven individuals in connection to the planned attack during his visit to Jakarta earlier this month.
The Pope’s visit, part of his 12-day Asia-Pacific tour, attracted global attention, but it also raised security concerns, particularly in Indonesia, a country with a history of dealing with terrorist threats.
The arrest of these suspects highlights the ongoing risks posed by radicalized groups aligned with ISIS, who sought to disrupt the Pope’s peace mission.
The individuals were arrested on September 2 and 3 in various locations, including Jakarta, Bogor, and Bekasi, as well as in West Sumatra and Bangka Belitung Islands provinces.
The arrests came just days before Pope Francis in Indonesia concluded his tour of the archipelago. This particular terror plot underscored the persistent presence of ISIS sympathizers in Southeast Asia, despite efforts to curb radicalization in the region.
Planned Attack Foiled by Indonesian Police
Indonesian authorities revealed that the arrests were made by Detachment-88, the country’s national police anti-terrorism squad. Pope Francis in Indonesia was a high-profile event that drew thousands of attendees, making it a prime target for terrorist organizations like ISIS.
The terror plot was discovered thanks to a tip-off from vigilant members of the public, which allowed police to act swiftly before the plot could be executed.
Colonel Aswin Siregar, the spokesperson for Detachment-88, mentioned that the investigation is still ongoing to determine if the seven detainees were part of a single terror cell or acted independently. The authorities uncovered significant evidence during searches of the suspects’ homes, including bows, arrows, drones, and ISIS-related leaflets.
These findings suggest that the group was preparing for a violent attack during Pope Francis’ visit. Several of the arrested individuals had also pledged allegiance to ISIS, which further confirmed their involvement in the terror plot.
The planned attack on Pope Francis in Indonesia is reminiscent of a similar attack in 2019 when Indonesia’s former Chief Security Minister Wiranto was stabbed by two ISIS-radicalized militants. One of the suspects arrested in connection with the plot on the Pope reportedly belonged to the same group responsible for the Wiranto attack.
Motive Behind the Plot
The militants arrested in connection with the plot were reportedly angered by Pope Francis’ visit to Jakarta’s Istiqlal Mosque, the largest mosque in Southeast Asia.
They were also displeased with the Indonesian government’s decision to temporarily halt the usual broadcasting of the azan (Islamic call to prayer) on television in favor of live coverage of Pope Francis’ visit. Instead of the azan, television stations displayed a running text, which further agitated these radical elements.
Pope Francis in Indonesia visited the Istiqlal Mosque as part of his broader message of interfaith harmony and religious tolerance.
However, his efforts to promote peace were met with resistance from ISIS sympathizers, who saw the visit as an affront to their radical ideology. The plot to attack the Pope was fueled by this extremist viewpoint, which is deeply opposed to any form of interfaith dialogue or cooperation.
Pope Francis in Indonesia: Four-Nation Asia-Pacific Tour
Pope Francis in Indonesia was just one leg of his ambitious four-nation tour across Southeast Asia and Oceania. His tour began in Indonesia, where he visited key religious and cultural landmarks, promoting messages of unity, peace, and humanitarian outreach. Despite the terror threat, the Pope successfully concluded his visit to Indonesia and continued his journey across the region.
After leaving Indonesia, Pope Francis traveled to Papua New Guinea, where he celebrated Mass in honor of the Catholic Church’s efforts to reach remote areas. The Pope’s visit to Vanimo, a small coastal town in Papua New Guinea, was the highlight of his time in the country. Vanimo is home to a small Catholic community served by missionaries from Argentina, and the Pope’s visit brought joy to the local faithful.
Following his stay in Papua New Guinea, Pope Francis will head to East Timor, marking another significant stop on his tour. The final leg of his journey will take him to Singapore, where he will continue his mission of promoting peace, interfaith understanding, and humanitarian outreach.
Despite the challenges and threats, Pope Francis in Indonesia and throughout his tour has remained steadfast in his message of hope and unity. His visit is expected to have a lasting impact on the region, particularly in countries like Indonesia, where interfaith tensions have sometimes led to violence.
The attempted attack on Pope Francis in Indonesia underscores the need for continued vigilance against extremist threats in the region. While Indonesian authorities were able to thwart this particular plot, the presence of radicalized individuals aligned with ISIS remains a serious concern. However, the successful foiling of the attack is a testament to the efforts of Indonesian law enforcement and the resilience of the country in the face of terrorism.
The terror plot to target Pope Francis highlights the ongoing security challenges posed by ISIS and its sympathizers in Southeast Asia. The arrests of the seven suspects reflect the broader global struggle against radicalization and terrorism.
However, the Pope’s message of peace and unity prevailed, and his visit to Indonesia and the wider region is a powerful reminder of the importance of interfaith dialogue and cooperation in overcoming division and hatred.
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….✍🏼🙏