Densus 88 orchestrated mail bombs, says Ba’asyir

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Firebrand cleric Abu Bakar Ba’asyir, who is currently on trial for his alleged involvement in terrorist activities, has accused the Densus 88 antiterrorism squad of masterminding a recent spate of mail bomb attacks.

Ba’asyir said the attack was orchestrated to add weight to calls for funding from donor countries for Indonesia’s antiterrorism programs.

“I suspect Densus created such [the mail bombs] so that it looked like terrorists still existed in Indonesia. If there are terrorists, the dollars will pour in,” he said referring to monetary interests of police.

Ba’asyir said never in Islamic teachings were Muslims ordered to kill other human beings. He refused to believe a practicing Muslim would do such a thing.

“I still suspect it’s Densus,” he said.

On Tuesday, three explosives concealed in books were sent to liberal Muslim activist Ulil Abshar Abdala, National Narcotics Agency head Gories Mere and Pancasila Youth Movement founder Japto S. Soejosoemarno.

An almost identical package was uncovered Thursday at the residence of Ahmad Dhani, the founder of record-selling band Dewa 19.






(Ba’asyir said never in Islamic teachings were Muslims ordered to kill other human beings. He refused to believe a practicing Muslim would do such a thing.

The Bali bombings, those of the hotels in Jakarta, those bombs weren't placed by fanatics? But then the perpetrators weren't realy Muslim were they now, or were they? What was that camp in Aceh for than? just to scare some people? You don't need guns for that? Bayashir claimed complicity in organizing and funding that camp, expensive wouldn't you say, just to scare people? About time that he turned to true Islam instead of the twisted rhetoric that he spouts! The Islamic caliphate will come, but not through force! Just si Kesasar's musings!)